Paul di Resta impresses for Force India

Paul di Resta continued with his impressive showing in a Mercedes-powered Force India car by clocking the second fastest timing on the concluding day of the Formula One test session for rookie drivers.

Paul di Resta continued with his impressive showing in a Mercedes-powered Force India car by clocking the second fastest timing on the concluding day of the Formula One test session for rookie drivers.

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The 23-year-old from Scotland clocked one minute, 18.336 seconds over 53 laps of the 4.337 kms Circuit de Jerez that put him second behind Red Bull-Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo (1:17.418) and ahead of Gary Paffett (McLaren-Mercedes), who took 1:18.746, here Friday.

Di Resta showed vast improvement after getting on track in the afternoon that saw spells of showers and his final day’s timing bettered his previous two best laps of 1;19.411 and 1:19.369.

The other Force India driver, 21-year old J.R. Hilderbrand of the United States, was the 10th quickest in the morning session that was red flagged due to rains and the 21-year old’s fastest lap was a 1:19.873 as against the 1:20.517 and 1:20.537 he clocked in his previous two outings. Hilderbrand was able to complete 41 laps before a red flag and rain shower slowed progress, while Di Resta put in 53 laps.

Renault’s F1 future in doubt again

London: Fresh speculation surrounded Renault’s Formula One team, with reports suggesting the manufacturer was considering selling its operation to the British-based Prodrive team.

Prodrive’s spokesman said: “It is well known that our intention is to get into F1. We proved our credentials earlier this year, but having a deal with Mercedes-Benz we were not willing to sacrifice our competitiveness.”