Force India’s Paul Di Resta hopeful of podium finish in 2012

London: Force India driver Paul Di Resta, who finished 13th in the F1 championship last year, believes he is on the brink of securing his first podium finish in Formula One.

Last year, Di Resta finished 13th in the drivers’ championship, winning him the Autosport Rookie of the Year award. Testing is set to begin on his new Force India car next month, bolstered by an new infusion of funds from Indian conglomerate Sahara and Di Resta is hopeful of an even better 2012, the Daily Express reports. “It will be difficult but we have got ourselves prepared for a podium,” said Di Resta, who will be headlining Autosport International at the Birmingham NEC on January 14-15. “I see a bright future for the team and the partnership with Sahara will help to make our facilities better and give us a better car.” Bureau Report