Three weeks after outpacing Force India team-mate Tonio Liuzzi in Barcelona, Bathgate’s Paul di Resta will sit-out this Friday morning’s free practice at the Istanbul Park ahead of Sunday’s Turkish Grand Prix.
Di Resta, whose impressive performances in the Friday sessions have put the Italian’s race seat under pressure, will sit out to allow both race drivers, Liuzzi and Adrian Sutil, to evaluate new developments which have been fitted to the car.
“It was a late call from the team, but that’s the way it goes sometimes,” Di Resta, enjoying a rare trip to visit family in Scotland today before flying out to Turkey tomorrow, explained.
“Of course no racing driver likes sitting out a session, but I completely understand the team’s decision. Turkey will see a number of new upgrades being introduced to our car, and while I’ve experienced them in the simulator the drivers need to feel the changes ontrack.
“I’ll still be there in the garage, trying to learn as much as I can as the developments are pretty exciting. I’ve still done all the groundwork, going in the simulator for some running as I’ve never driven Istanbul Park before.
“It’s a pretty busy time of the year for me as well with the DTM race in Valencia between Monaco and Turkey. But it’s keeping me sharp and focused on racing, which is the best possible situation for me right now.”
In addition to a front wing and tweaked wing mirrors, it’s understood Force India will also introduce a new F-Duct which will reduce drag and helping produce up to six miles per hour of extra straight-line speed.
JM