Di Resta replaces Massa for Hungarian GP

Paul Di Resta is set to race for Williams this weekend, after Felipe Massa was taken ill this morning, despite being cleared to race earlier in the day.

Massa spun twice yesterday in free practice, in uncharacteristic fashion for the Brazilian veteran, saying that he felt unwell and dizzy when he exited the car. He later went to hospital for checks but was released and then again checked by the FIA medical delegate who declared him fit to drive in final practice this morning.

He did go on to complete 12 laps in FP3 this morning however clearly felt in himself that he was not fit to race this weekend, despite posting a faster time in the session than teammate Lance Stroll.

Qualifying and the race will now be done by the Scottish driver, whose last race was the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2013, but has been Williams’ test driver since 2016. It will be a challenging time for the Scottish driver, as he has not driven the new quicker 2017 car before, except for simulation work, and has had no time in practice to get used to the car. There is also the height and weight difference between the two which is significant, so the team will have to go in fairly blind on setup.

Di Resta will take solace though in the fact he scored a highly creditable seventh place on his first F1 race in Hungary in changeable, tricky conditions, showing he should be able to do a handy job for WIlliams. He also won a DTM race at the Hungaroring as recent as June, so is more than comfortable with the track.

Sam Gale