Coulthard urges 'realistic expectations' over di Resta
Paul di Resta out on track in the Force India during the testing at Valencia © Sutton Images
New BBC commentator David Coulthard has warned people not to expect too much from Force India rookie Paul di Resta in 2011.
"I competed against Paul on the same track last year and he won the German Touring Car Championship," Coulthard told BBC Scotland. "This is a great opportunity for him with Force India and he thoroughly deserves his chance. Being successful in Formula 1 is not just about having talent, you've got to have a good car and a good team.
"I'm obviously very proud to have another Scot in Formula 1 and 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.
"If Paul can get close to Adrian or match him in the early races that would be incredible … 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."
Coulthard added that the time di Resta had already spent with Force India - he was a test driver in 2010 - would prove invaluable. "You have to adapt to the different demands of a grand prix car … but the biggest thing for me is that he's known within the team - he knows the mechanics and the engineers - and he's comfortable in that environment.
"He'll understand how to work with these people, because it's not a holiday camp, it's a really tough business and you have to know who to turn when the car's not working properly. There's a real technical aspect to making sure he can get the best out of himself on the track."
Credit: ESPN F1 (espn.com)
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