Expect Realistically From Paul di Resta: David Coulthard
David Coulthard, the latest addition to BBC’s commentary box, has said that people should have ‘realistic’ expectations from Force India’s Paul di Resta. He said people were hoping for results he might not be able to deliver in his debut season in Formula
1 racing.
“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,” Coulthard told the media.
Di Resta, who was a reserve driver with Force India in 2010, has performed very well in the Valencia test session, recording the third fastest lap on the circuit on the second day of the test. His performance in the season will be closely monitored by other
teams and critics alike. Most critics are already saying that they expect him to outclass his senior teammate Adrian Sutil. However, Coulthard says the young driver should be given time to settle down and enjoy his debut on the F1 circuit.
Coulthard, a Scotsman like Di Resta, was one of the best drivers of the 1990s and early 2000s.
“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,” Coulthard said.
Coulthard added that matching Adrian Sutil’s performance in the first couple of races was going to be extremely difficult for the young Scotsman. But if Di Resta somehow outran his teammate in the first couple of races, it was going to be “incredible”. And
if he maintained his performance throughout the year and somehow finished ahead of Sutil, he was going to be one of the drivers most of the teams would eye in the future.
Coulthard believed that as Di Resta had spent valuable time with Force India in 2010 as their reserve driver, he had increased his activity and rapport within the team. He said if Di Resta was comfortable with the team’s environment, he would be able to
learn even more by sharing views and information with the others, especially the mechanics.
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