From GMM
Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton had an "easier" run into formula one through racing's formative stages.
That is the claim of F1's newest rookie Paul di Resta, who insisted at the announcement of his Force India debut for 2011 that he feels part of the same "generation" as the 2008 and 2010 world champions.
Scot Paul di Resta, 24, is the new DTM champion, having detoured to the German touring car series after beating Sebastian Vettel to the F3 Euroseries title in 2006.
"I wouldn't say it's been frustrating, (but) they've had it easier than me," he said of Vettel as well as the McLaren protege Hamilton, whose father Anthony is Paul di Resta's manager.
"They (Vettel and Hamilton) had different backing and that got them there a bit quicker. Looking at it they were luckier than I am, but I've got there," he added.
Paul di Resta therefore insists he is not fazed by the young champions' achievements.
"I don't want to sound big-headed, but I wasn't racing them when they won their championships. We've had some great battles in the past. Hopefully I'll get a repeat of that in the future," he said.
His first target in F1, however, will be Force India's ever-present incumbent, Adrian Sutil.
"I would hope to be on the same pace as him or quicker than him from the start," said Paul di Resta firmly.
Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton had an "easier" run into formula one through racing's formative stages.
That is the claim of F1's newest rookie Paul di Resta, who insisted at the announcement of his Force India debut for 2011 that he feels part of the same "generation" as the 2008 and 2010 world champions.
Scot Paul di Resta, 24, is the new DTM champion, having detoured to the German touring car series after beating Sebastian Vettel to the F3 Euroseries title in 2006.
"I wouldn't say it's been frustrating, (but) they've had it easier than me," he said of Vettel as well as the McLaren protege Hamilton, whose father Anthony is Paul di Resta's manager.
"They (Vettel and Hamilton) had different backing and that got them there a bit quicker. Looking at it they were luckier than I am, but I've got there," he added.
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| Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Paul di Resta - Norisring F3 Euroseries 2005 - Photo Sutton |
Paul di Resta therefore insists he is not fazed by the young champions' achievements.
"I don't want to sound big-headed, but I wasn't racing them when they won their championships. We've had some great battles in the past. Hopefully I'll get a repeat of that in the future," he said.
His first target in F1, however, will be Force India's ever-present incumbent, Adrian Sutil.
"I would hope to be on the same pace as him or quicker than him from the start," said Paul di Resta firmly.