Di Resta sure of progression with new Force India car

Bathgate’s Paul di Resta lifted the wraps off his new Sahara Force India racer at Silverstone yesterday, and the 25-year-old Scot stated he’s confident he can improve on his 27 world championship points haul from last season.

“From what I’ve experienced on the simulator with the new car, it’s a big step forward from last year,” he said in freezing temperatures yesterday.

“We all know it’s crucial to have a great start to the year, and that’s what we’re aiming to have in place for Australia. We have to be aggressive right from the first test.”

Di Resta, last season’s F1 Rookie of the Year, will partner German Nico Hulkenberg this year. And the Scot admits he’ll be under more pressure.

“We have a very young and aggressive driver line-up, with me and Nico, and we both want to achieve the best we can in Formula One,” he continued.

“Thankfully we both get on very well, but as in every F1 team, the first person you want to beat is your team-mate. I know I’ll be trying to beat him, and Nico will obviously be trying to beat me.

“I’m not a rookie anymore, and of course there’s always pressure in any sport, so yeh, I’ll be under a little more pressure.”

Di Resta completed a series of installation laps with the new Mercedes-powered car at the Northamptonshire circuit.

He will join the majority of F1 teams at Jerez in Spain next week for the first official pre-season test of the year.