Canadian GP: Paul Di Resta stoic over Force India grid problems
Last updated on .From the section Formula 1
Paul Di Resta says bridges have been mended after a seventh-place finish in the Canadian Grand Prix compensated for a mistake in qualifying.
The Scot had criticised his Force India team prior to the race in Montreal as he started from 17th on the grid.
"It was taken constructively," he said. "Everybody in the team felt the same.
"But we regrouped, showed we can do it and, as far as my relationship with the team is concerned, it's still good."
It was the second grand prix in a row that the 26-year-old had started so far back.
In Monaco a fortnight ago, he paid the penalty for being kept on the track too long on intermediate tyres, while in Montreal he missed the best of the conditions as his team opted to fix a gearbox issue.
"The person who made the mistake apologised and I'm fully supportive of that," said Di Resta. "It's just unfortunate it happened two weeks in a row, which is where the anger was.
"Looking back, I don't think I was too harsh. When you work with the team so closely, it's good to have that heat because you need to show your emotion.
"If I'd twice made a mistake, I'd be kicking myself and the team would come down hard on me - and rightly so."
The team adopted an aggressive strategy, opting for a one-stop plan, to propel the Scot up the field as he ran for a remarkable 56 laps on his opening set of medium-compound tyres, the longest stint of any driver on any rubber used this season.
It resulted in him finishing in the points for sixth race out of seven this campaign and, with 34 points to his name, Di Resta already has more than in his debut season of 2011 and is only 12 behind his total from last year.
Ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on 30 June, Di Resta said: "This was a massive result given the unlucky circumstances we have had over the last two grands prix.
"We'll now look to build on this and try to get three consecutive good days at the British Grand Prix.
"If we can do that we can have a big impact. Overall, this result is perfect timing and more points on the board to keep up my record as well."
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Paul at least provided constructive critiscism and honest opinion, there are no doubt some drivers who would throw their toys out of the pram when things do not go their way, Paul does not come across as one of them.
Why should he apologise, he's one of the few drivers on the grid who is actually honest about how he feels on something like this, and he's absolutely right to feel the way he did given that the team screwed up and cost him what could have been a much higher qualifying result.
Its only through the fact that he was able to make the tires last that something was salvaged from it.
I like PDR, if anything I'm sure his team are happy to see the passion and desire to do well in him. I'll be following his career with hope and interest. :)
He let it be known he wasn't happy - why should he be - but was restrained in how he put it and blamed no individual.
If somebody ruined something important to you by a silly mistake, you'd maybe say a word or two if asked what you thought about it.
I assume you posted that as a joke because that is exactly what it is. Paul is one of the most talented drivers in F1 and his team would be more concerned if he accepted the mistakes meekly. He is a winner and he is the team leader. He sets the standards and that is where winning comes from. Perhaps you should go watch rhythmic gymnastics.
I think 'trundling around' on one set of tyres for nearly 6/7th's of the race distance, setting personal bests whilst outpacing more competitive teams on fresher rubber is remarkable. All bar the top 5 were lapped.
Massa/Grosjean had similarly low grid slots, but Di Resta clearly executed a race strategy to better effect than more experienced campaigners in better cars. A fine display.
i completely agree with you, PDR is definitley one of the more professional drivers out there at the moment.
as for your comment about Grosjean, do you think that the reason for him still having a seat could be to do with his manager beinf very high up in the lotus team?
a conflict of interest me thinks!!
No probs Gaz - I can see your point. Perhaps I am 'old school' but I feel things are best dealt with in the garage. Ross, MW, Horner etc. have all had cause to criticise their peddlers at some time but tend not to do it in full public gaze. JB does it well - he will highlight an issue but not specifically blame the team.
@26
Relax, I'm disagreeing with Gaz not agreeing with you lol.
Is that an attempt at trolling? Di Resta has exactly double the points Sutil has and is possibly the most consistent driver in the field.
The race performance showed his determination not to let that happen again.