Paul Di Resta turned up to the Hungaroring on Saturday morning, expecting to be in the Sky Sports commentary box. He ended up racing in a car for the Hungarian Grand Prix Qualifying that he had never driven in before.
Having not raced in a Formula 1 Grand Prix since 2013, the Scottish driver returned to the sport last year as a Reserve and Test Driver for Williams, but was never needed on a race weekend.
Replacing the ill Martin Brundle in the Sky commentary box, Di Resta ended up replacing the ill Felipe Massa on the grid. Massa was sick during Friday's practice sessions. Despite being cleared by medical staff on Friday night, the same symptoms produced themselves on Saturday morning before the all-important Qualification session.
That meant Paul Di Resta was called up at just 90 minutes notice.
Statement from @WilliamsRacing on @MassaFelipe19 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/I6W47CE6tk
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) July 29, 2017
Somehow, the Scottish driver did not finish last in qualification, despite a lack of practice in the car. He finished in 19th place out of 20 drivers. He was only 0.7 seconds behind Williams teammate Lance Stroll, despite the Canadian's experience in the car.
After the qualification session, Di Resta was the toast of the F1 world, despite his lowly position.
Speaking to Williams Racing after the session, he said he hoped he did the team proud.
.@PauldiResta explains his surprise call up for the #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/kcEnc2Rbmu
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) July 29, 2017
Whatever happens to Di Resta in Sunday's Grand Prix, the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix will not be one he forgets in a hurry.
