Sixth-placed Di Resta delighted as two-stop strategy pays off

PAUL Di Resta delivered a flawless drive at the Bahrain Grand Prix yesterday to finish sixth, equalling his best-ever Formula 1 finish at Singapore last year.

Starting from tenth on the grid, Di Resta’s careful management of his Pirelli tyres allowed the Force India team to maximise a two-stop strategy, while the rest of the leading contenders did a three-stop race.

Afterwards, the Scot said: “The result today is massive for us. The team did an amazing job all weekend, the strategy came together and the pit-stops were perfect. We knew it would be a big ask to make only two stops and it was a close run thing at the end, because my tyres completely went away on the final lap.

“I had Fernando Alonso very close behind me but I saved a bit of KERS coming out of the final corner and managed to stay ahead. Apart from that, the car has been awesome. So we go away from here as a very happy team with a few weeks to reflect on things and determined to arrive in Barcelona in fighting form.”

Meanwhile, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone delivered a parting remark after the race passed without incident.

Last week protesters clashed with police, anti-government and anti-F1 rallies were staged, and one demonstrator was killed, the dissidents claim, by riot police.

The sport and the kingdom of Bahrain have both come in for fierce criticism but Ecclestone insisted the country and the Middle East remain important for F1. He said: “It’s growing all the time, and other places are interested. I think it will grow here for sure.”

Ecclestone added: “You know what they say, there’s no such thing as bad publicity. We will be back here next year, and for many years after.”

The Bahrain International Circuit claimed there were 28,000 paying customers inside the circuit, a surprise given the main grandstand – which appeared to be the only one in use – was only half-full. But, after staging a race many felt should have been cancelled, chairman Zayed Al Zayani was able to finally smile.

“Hosting such a big event would not be possible without the enormous hard work of all involved,” said Al Zayani.

“That includes the marshals, other volunteers and my team at the BIC, and I would like to thank all of them for their efforts.

“I’m pleased to say we have had a great level of support for this race weekend.”