F1: Di Resta Expects Force India Pace In Singapore

Formula 1

F1: Di Resta Expects Force India Pace In Singapore

Paul Di Resta has high hopes for Force India this weekend...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted September 20, 2012 Marina Bay (SGP)

Paul Di Resta just wrapped up his second season at Force India. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Paul Di Resta is confident that Force India will be competitive in Singapore, given that the cars were fast on the similar Valencia track earlier in the year.

Nico Hulkenberg and Di Resta finished fifth and seventh, respectively, in the European GP in June, both men having made Q3.

“I think we’re optimistic coming here based upon our car performance at Valencia,” said the Scot. “I think, as a weekend, that was probably the strongest we’ve been this year. Qualifying was obviously very strong in Valencia, and the race pace was good. This track is nothing like anything except Valencia, and given the result that we got here last year, you can safely say that getting into Q3 and points is definitely the minimum target we should set ourselves.”

Meanwhile, Di Resta conceded that the VJM05 has struggled in race trim on higher fuel loads.

“It seems to perform more competitively on the lower side of fuel,” he said. “We kind of underachieve compared to our nearest rivals at the beginning of races. It’s (something) we picked out certainly over the last six or seven Grands Prix more so that we have done in the past, and we’re taking action to try and improve that.

“It’s not something we’re going to be able to switch on overnight and change. I’m sure we’ll build upon it in the upcoming races, and make sure that as long as we’re going forward, that’s the key thing. If we can get ourselves in a strong position, as we can in qualifying, we should be able to capitalize on that.

“I think the biggest thing is not to fatigue as a team, make sure your fitness is there and make sure you stay sharp. From this point on last year, we picked up quite a lot of points compared to other people around us.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.