Bathgate’s Paul Di Resta returns to the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) for the opening round at Hockenheim this weekend as favourite to become the first Mercedes-Benz driver to lift the title since 2006.
But the 22-year-old Scot, who was only denied last year’s title by some cynically aggressive driving my a number of Audi drivers in the final round, is playing down any talk that the championship is a formality.
“No way,” he said today. “DTM is the toughest saloon car championship in the world and, believe me, there’s six or seven guys out there who could win races and ultimately the championship.
“I know there’s been a lot of speculation about my chances of wining the title, especially after being fastest in the final official test here 10 days ago, but testing’s one thing; putting it together over a whole race weekend is another thing.
“Having said that, we’re all fired up for the season. We’ve shown we have a very quick car and as long as we hit the ground running this weekend, then we’ll be in with a chance of winning the race.
“Personally, I believe we can win this weekend; and, of course I’m here to win the championship. Coming so close last year was hugely disappointing, especially the way some of the Audi drivers ganged up against me.
“But I’ve learned from that experience and I won’t be taking any prisoners this season. I’m out to win the championship and I’m going to let nothing stand in my way, starting with qualifying on Saturday.”
Di Resta is partnered in the No1 Mercedes HWA team by former F1 grand prix winner Ralf Schumacher, Canadian Bruno Spengler and Gary Paffett from England. The strongest opposition from Audi will again come from defending champ Timo Scheider.
JM