Force India's German driver Nico Hulkenberg drives during the second practice session at the Silverstone circuit ahead of the British Formula One Grand Prix. AFP/Dimitar Dilkoff
Hulkenberg was in contention for points till the last 10 laps but
could not maintain his position. He had qualified ninth but started 14th from the grid as he was handed a five-place grid penalty due to gear box change.
It was extremely disappointing result for Di Resta as for the Scotland racer, it was his home GP. The team is also based in Silverstone.
He was the first victim of the conditions as Lotus' Romain Grosjean collided with him in the opening lap traffic.
Force India remain on 44 points and they now trail Williams by three points.
Red Bull's Mark Webber won the race as he pushed pole position holder Fernando Alonso of Ferrari to second place.
Webber's teammate and double defending champion Sebastian Vettel was third, followed by Felipe Massa in second Ferrari.
Narain Karthikeyan, who races for Hispania, finished 21st.