Paul di Resta admits he cannot believe he is the winner of the 2006 Formula Three World Series title after a season long battle fighting a rear guard action against an ever improving
Sebastian Vettel.
The third British winner in the four years the Euro Series has been up and running, di Resta joins the likes of Ryan Briscoe, Jamie Green and
Lewis Hamilton on the list of trophy winners since the championship was born out of the German Formula Three Championship in 2003.
One of the title favourites after moving from Manor Motorsport to front runners ASM, di Resta has recorded five wins this season, but was reeled in gradually over the second half of the season by team-mate Vettel, the 19 year-old German having got within touching distance of the championship lead just two rounds ago.
Nonetheless, Vettel failed to take advantage at Le Mans and although a jump start induced penalty meant di Resta endured one of the most difficult races of his season on the way to the sealing the title at Hockenheim, the Scot was thrilled to walk away with the title in only his second season.
It hasn't really sunk in yet that I have actually won the title. It was one of the most difficult races, as I immediately knew that I had jumped the start. We have been working hard for four years, I have deserved the title. It was a hard fight with Sebastian Vettel.
Indeed, di Resta has already admitted that he does not know what his plans are for 2007, with his designs on following Hamilton into GP2 largely being determined by a lack of personal funding. Instead, it is believed backer Mercedes will prompt him join the manufacturer in the DTM, much like Green.
I have a couple of options for next year, but I don't know exactly what I will be doing.
