Di Resta makes impressive start in F1 testing

Published on Tuesday 1 December 2009 21:34

SCOTLAND'S Paul Di Resta enjoyed a fine opening day in Formula 1 testing with a second-place finish in Jerez, Spain.

The Bathgate driver, 23, who is racing with the Force India team, finished just 0.211secs slower than Spain's Andy Soucek despite only getting behind the wheel during the afternoon session. Di Resta is currently with Force India's engine partners, Mercedes, in the German Touring Car Championship, but testing this week could lead to a more permanent position with the F1 team.

Soucek was driving for Williams as part of his prize for winning the 2009 Formula 2 title and did not disappoint with a best time of one minute 19.158 seconds. The Spaniard, 24, blotted his copybook with a spin during the afternoon which necessitated a red flag, although he recovered to set the day's benchmark with one hour remaining.

Former DTM champion Gary Paffett was third for McLaren ahead of Red Bull Racing's Daniel Ricciardo, who had earlier ended in a gravel trap after taking avoiding action following a Brendon Hartley crash, which brought out the first red flag of the day.

Jules Bianchi ended the day in fourth for Ferrari while Britain's Mike Conway was fifth for Brawn GP, soon to be rebranded Mercedes Grand Prix. Alexander Rossi (Sauber) was seventh ahead of Marcus Ericsson (Brawn), Bertrand Baguette (Renault) and JR Hildebrand (Force India).

Briton Oliver Turvey completed the fewest laps of all the drivers – 27 – as he posted the 11th quickest time. New Zealander Hartley brought up the rear for Toro Rosso having set a time 2.1secs slower than Soucek – and half a second off the pace of Turvey – from his 69 laps.