Scotsman hopes to be flying high at the Indian Grand Prix
Last Updated: October 26, 2011 4:54pm
Di Resta: Preparing for Indian Grand Prix
Paul di Resta feels privileged to be racing for Force India this weekend as Formula One heads to the sub-continent.
But the Scotsman also admits the pressure is on his team to perform at the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, which will be held 35 kilometres south east of Delhi at the Buddh International Circuit.
Supported by Indian entrepreneur Vijay Mallya, and in sporting the colours of the Indian flag, the next few days could be more tense for Di Resta than ahead of the British Grand Prix.
He said: "India is a big race for us and it's important we get a strong result.
"Whether you class it as a home race, I don't know, but I don't have to say too much given the links to the country, so all eyes are going to be on us.
"I'm sure up and down the paddock teams have Indian investment somewhere, but for us our name kind of gives it away.
"There are 1.4billion people in India, so as a driver you have to feel privileged to be taking part in the first Indian Grand Prix for Force India.
"With it being such a big weekend for us it means there's going to be a lot of pressure on us.
"But we're going to do what we normally do, which is maximise what we have as a package and do what we can.
"At the end of the day it's the same number of points that are up for grabs."
Di Resta, embroiled in a couple of days of hard PR this week, feels there is an opportunity over the years ahead for the team to do for India what Ferrari have done for Italy.
"There'll be a lot of hype this weekend, but neither do we own, nor did we build the circuit," added the 25-year-old.
"We're simply here to race like any other team. It's just a coincidence we're called Force India, with Indian investment.
"Of course, it is a big thing, which I suppose is like Ferrari in Italy.
"In 50 years' time if we could do what Ferrari have done then it would be a massive achievement."
Good form
On a personal level, Di Resta goes into the race delighted with his run of form in which he has scored points in four of the last six grands prix.
As a new venue, the race will prove to be a leveller to some degree and an opportunity for Di Resta to build on what he has recently achieved and to finish the year strongly.
"With it being a new track it's about going there as best prepared as you can," said Di Resta.
"I'm here in India on the back of scoring another point, I'm happy with the way things have gone lately, but now I have to maintain that through to the end."
Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
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