Di Resta flattered

Scots F1 ace Paul Di Resta is flattered by speculation linking him with a move to Ferrari.

PAUL DI RESTA knows he still has a lot of work ahead of him if he is to realise his ambition of being in a potential titlewinning car.

After just five races of the current campaign Di Resta is again attracting attention from elsewhere as the Scot has been linked with a move to either Ferrari or Mercedes.

In fairness, a number of names are in the frame for a seat many expect will become vacant sooner rather than later following Felipe Massa’s woeful performances this season in comparison to team-mate Fernando Alonso.

However, bearing in mind Ferrari’s history and heritage, it is a compliment to Di Resta he is among those being speculated upon.

As for Mercedes, that is no surprise given his past links to the German manufacturing giant, becoming DTM (German touring car) champion in one of their cars in 2010.

All this in a season in which Di Resta’s Force India has so far failed to flatter, with the 26-year-old producing mixed, albeit credible results, notably in Bahrain where he was sixth.

Di Resta said: “There’s been good press, which is nice to hear and nice to see that people are watching and their eyes are open.

“It’s no secret that I want to be in a car that is winning races and winning world championships.

“But the task at the moment is with Force India. That’s who I have a contract with, and that’s where my driving duties are committed to at present.”

Di Resta feels he can do no more to make that step up, believing he is giving his all, which remains the simple goal for the rest of the season.

“A podium would certainly make me happy, and that’s the way I look at it,” said Di Resta.

“I’m just trying to do my own performance, do my own driving.

“I’m not going to make decisions for anybody. Equally, above me in this team or any other team, it’s for those people to make their mind up.

“I just have to try and open their eyes by making sure I do a good job, irrespective of what I’m doing in Formula One and trying to achieve.

“I know I can’t work any harder. We’re only on race six, and there’s a lot of work to be done within this team.

“So I’m concentrating on my job to maximise what I can achieve.”

Di Resta at least concedes to being flattered by the speculation, adding: “Of course I am. You can’t help it, and if it’s true, I’m thankful.”