'Matching Sutil will secure di Resta's future'
David Coulthard believes that if Paul di Resta can compete with his Force India team-mate, Adrian Sutil, in his first year in F1 he will have a bright future.
The 24-year-old di Resta will be making his debut in a race-seat this year, having served as Force India's reserve driver last year. Vitaly Petrov was the only one of the four rookies who began the season who retained their driver for 2011, illustrating the cut throat nature of the game. As such, Coulthard is well aware that di Resta needs to shine from the outset, with the starting point being a competitive showing in relation to his team-mate.
"If Paul can get close to Adrian, or match him, in the early races, that would be incredible," Coulthard told BBC Scotland's Sport Nation.
"If he can be in front of him near the end of the year, that sets him out as a driver to be watched for the future."
The current DTM champion displaced Tonio Luizzi at Force India and Coulthard believes that while Vijay Mallya's team made the right decision, he warned against expecting too much from di Resta.
"This is a great opportunity for him with Force India and he thoroughly deserves his chance," said the Scot.
"Being successful in F1 is not just about having talent, you've got to have a good car and a good team. [Force India is] pretty much a mid-grid team, but we're all hoping the car will be more competitive. Anything I can do to help Paul I'm going to do because, if it works out, he could have a great career. But I think we have to be realistic and keep our expectations in check," he added.
Credit: PlanetF1.com (www.planetf1.com)
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