Franchitti thinks di Resta up for the job

Paul di Resta

Dario Franchitti has no doubts cousin Paul di Resta will shine in Formula One this season. Di Resta joins fellow Britons Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button on the grid for the forthcoming F1 campaign after landing a drive at Force India. The team informed the 24-year-old Scot just prior to Christmas he would be stepping up from his previous role as reserve driver. Three-time IndyCar Series champion and double Indianapolis 500 winner Franchitti believes Di Resta has what it takes to not only come through his debut year, but to push on for the future.

"I was thrilled for him when I heard he had got the nod," said Franchitti.

"I'm just really proud of him. He's worked hard for it, but in some ways the hard work now begins.

"I'm confident he will do the job. Now he is there he can build on foundations, improve the car, beat his team-mate, move up the grid, all of those things.

"It's going to be hard work, but he has all the attributes to do it."

Last season Di Resta combined his reserve role with his duties in DTM (German touring cars), and provided himself with a successful platform as he took the title.

Asked as to what can be expected of Di Resta in F1, Franchitti replied: "He'll let his driving do the talking.

"He has a tremendous amount of talent, and he's a very smart guy which is key to Formula One.

"Everybody in F1 has a gift to a certain degree, but he has an intelligence too, and determination.

"I hope we're going to see him really get a chance to show what he has got." Sporting Life