Paul Di Resta positive despite a difficult day at Hockenheim

Paul Di Resta has started the 2015 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season with mixed results. After yesterday’s podium, the Scot finished last and outside the points today, after several contacts during the race.

The Mercedes HWA AG driver was upbeat despite having a difficult second day of racing at Hockenheim: “We started in the middle of the pack, what made things difficult already. Then we got touched several times, with Müller hitting us at the end, so it wasn’t a good day.” Talking to Touring Car Times, the Scot added: “Still, I think it has been a good weekend for us, because we, the Mercedes team, reached the podium in two occasions, and that shows we have made progress. The car is good and we can be competitive.”

Talking about the new racing format, Di Resta explained: “The rhythm of work is very hard, and it really pushes the mechanics. Here at Hockenheim the weather changed from one day to the next, and it shows that you really need to look after the car and keep it in one peace, not cause too much damage, because there is little time to do repairs.”

Rain was expected today, which gave some freedom to drivers yesterday with regards to tyre use. When asked about managing four sets of slicks for both qualifying sessions and races, Di Resta said: “It would have been difficult if today would have stayed dry. But, in the end, it’s the same for everybody so, if we have a problem, all the others will have it too, and we will have to find a way to manage.”

Paul Di Resta leaves Hockenheim in sixth place in the Drivers’ standings, with a total of 15 points.