Bathgate’s Paul Di Resta finally delivered the blistering drive which might just kickstart his bid to win the German Touring Car Championship (DTM). The 22-year-old Scot stormed from ninth on the grid to narrowly miss out on a podium finish in the latest round at Oscherslaben.
Di Resta, who was only denied last year’s championship in a final race showdown, has struggled for pace and reliability this season, but at the German circuit which traditionally suits his Audi rivals be finished leading Mercedes driver in fourth place.
“That was much, much better,” he said today, “and people have to remember the Mercedes cars were running 20-kilos heavier than the Audis because of the success ballast from the result in Holland a fortnight ago.
“Obviously I would have loved to have scored my first podium finish of the year, but at least I feel we’re now going in the right direction with the car.
“This is only the halfway point of the championship and there’s a long way to go. I dominated the second half of the season last year and that has to be my aim again this year.
“I’m certainly not giving upon the title. I truly believe we still have the pace and performance, plus enough races, to win the championship.”
Reigning champion Timo Scheider took his first win of the season to lead home an Audi 1-2-3 ahead of Mattias Ekstrom and Martin Tomczyk. Ekstrom is now tied for the championship lead with England’s Gary Paffett, just nine points ahead of Di Resta.
JM