Paul di Resta: “Convinced that I did not steal the start”

When the lights went out at Brands Hatch in England, we weren't supposed to watch the duel between Marco Wittmann (BMW) and René Rast (Audi), but rather the second row of the grid.

It is from fourth place that Paul di Resta (Aston Martin) made a meteoric flight on a track with still precarious grip, to propel itself to the front of the race at the start of the first corner of Paddock Hill Bend.

But the story seemed too good for the former pilot F1, finally able to put the Aston Martin Vantage – R-Motorsport at the forefront this year, after a difficult start to the campaign.

An investigation for stolen start, then a 5″ penalty during the pit stop came to break di Resta's momentum, although he was sure of his actions when discussing the incident after the event.

That 'jump start' – video evidence from the stewards' camera that shows Di Resta's Aston Martin – agonizingly – rolling slightly just before the red lights go out…#DTMBrandsHatch pic.twitter.com/wy8lGUUguN

— DTM (@DTM) August 10

“I am convinced that I did not steal the start, proclaims the Briton. Regardless, it was a great feeling to lead the first 15 laps of the race with the Aston Martin in front of all the British fans.

Unfortunately, I felt a complete loss of power towards the end of the race. That's why I parked the car in the pit for safety. Although we had a reliability issue again here, we know things are getting better.

Every race is a test for us, and today we showed that we are getting better and better and moving forward step by step. » To be confirmed today in race 2.