Paul Di Resta hopes his dismal run of form will finally come to an end this weekend as his Force India team gear up for the “massive” challenge of contesting their home grand prix.
The third staging of the Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit just outside Delhi would be a fitting venue for the Scotsman to end a sequence of seven races without a point stretching back to July’s German Grand Prix.
Force India appear to have suffered more than most from the changes made to the Pirelli tyres in the wake of the failures that marred June’s British Grand Prix, the last race from which Di Resta emerged with any points.
Di Resta’s dip, irregardless of the causes, has put him in a difficult position regarding his future in the sport, with Force India yet to exercise an option on the 27-year-old’s contract for next season.
A return to points-paying ways is therefore the minimum target this weekend.
“We didn’t score points in Japan but we made some real progress with setting up the car, so going an extra step and getting in the top 10 has got to be the goal this weekend,” said Di Resta.
“Friday is going to be crucial because this is one of those tracks where finding the right rhythm with a well-balanced car really pays you back with lap time.”
This week’s race in India is the last until 2015 at the earliest after it was omitted from the 2014 calendar when organisers were unable to commit to an earlier date on the calendar, so the pressure to perform is even greater than normal for Di Resta and his team.
“This is always a massive event for us and comes at the end of a very busy week because we will be spending a few days in Delhi ahead of the race to meet the local media and fans,” he said.
“We come to India several times during the year and you can see the growing enthusiasm of the fans.
“It’s great that we get to spend time with them and show them the thrill of Formula One up close.”
Meanwhile, this weekend’s Indian Grand Prix has been cast into doubt after a petition seeking the cancellation of the race was reportedly lodged with India’s Supreme Court.
The petition, which will be heard today, has been brought amid allegations that race organisers Jaypee Sports International Limited did not pay entertainment taxes due on last year’s event, the Times of India reported.