Bathgate’s Paul Di Resta will go head-to-head with German Touring Car Championship leader Timo Scheider when both start from the front row of the grid for tomorrow’s eighth round at Brands Hatch in Kent.
The 22-year-old Scot, seven points behind the German’s Audi in the championship battle, powered his Mercedes round the tight 1.2-mile circuit in 42.174secs to miss out on pole by just 0.090secs.
“It’s a pity because obviously it would have been terrific to have started from pole position in Britain,” Di Resta admitted after today’s qualifying session, “but I’m happy to be on the front row.”
While Scheider grabbed his fourth pole of the season, Di Resta’s performance was all the more impressive given that his car was carrying a 10kg success ballast having finished second last time out at the Nurburgring.
“We know we have a fast car this weekend,” the Scot continued, “and I’m ready to take the fight to Timo. We’re going to be positive right from the start tomorrow and I believe we’re in an excellent position to go for the win.”
While England’s Jamie Green qualified his Mercedes fifth on the grid, Oban’s Susie Stoddart again struggled for pace and will start the race 18th in her Merc.
JM