In case you wondered whether simulators really benefit Formula 1 drivers, then take note of new Scottish driver Paul Di Resta, who started driving for Force India this season, and in his first three races, finished in the points twice.
For the past few seasons he’s competed in the DTM championship in a works Mercedes saloon, and yet has produced three great performances in his first three F1 races, finishing just outside of the points at the last race in China. And if that isn’t enough, he hasn’t even been able to take full advantage of all the practice sessions available during a race weekend, as Force India have also been fielding their test driver Nico Hulkenberg during race weekends. So how is he making up for his lack of track time?
Speaking to the BBC’s Martin Brundle and David Coulthard on the grid on Sunday, Di Resta referred to the time he’s spent on the simulator, and went as far as saying they’d found settings on the simulator which had worked to put him into Q3 and 8th on the grid.
And considering the range of adjustments that are available on an F1 car, it’s probably the most impressive endorsement of simulators yet.
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