Paul di Resta says he never expected to be so close to Williams team-mate Lance Stroll after just four laps in the Williams FW40, after being thrown in at the "deepest of deep ends" on Saturday.
Di Resta was called up to replace an ill Felipe Massa after final practice, meaning the Brit's first time behind the wheel of a current-year F1 car since 2013 would come during a competitive qualifying session.
The DTM racer admitted he was "nervous and anxious" before climbing into the car for his first experience of the new 2017 machines.
"I was nervous and anxious," said Di Resta. "You’re unsure of how your ability is going to be when you get out there.
"Honestly, I quickly felt quite comfortable in the car. There was nothing that took me by surprise, it’s just the more laps you can do, the better it is."
Di Resta qualified 19th, just over seven-tenths slower than Stroll and admitted he never expected to be so close having completed just four laps.
"Getting thrown straight into qualifying is the deepest of the deep ends. To do it in four laps is a big ask, but honestly I didn’t expect to be so close straight away.
"I’ve carried on everything Felipe has done up until this session like the brake settings, the set-up and the steering wheel switches are all his, so of course it could be more optimised. But there is more ability to progress in me, gaining the speed and confidence in the car.
"These cars are the most special thing you’ll ever drive. It’s a tough ask to go straight into qualifying, but that’s what it’s about and you take these opportunities."
Di Resta thanked Williams for the opportunity and hopes to repay their faith in Sunday's race.
"Thank you to Williams for the opportunity, thank you to Claire and Sir Frank. To get the opportunity to get in the car and do it, with the team having the faith in my ability, I will hopefully be able to repay that. The team have been great. I’ve been here a year and a half waiting for this, so it’s a good job I’ve been attending all the meetings and paying attention!
"Today has been very special. I felt back at home in a Formula One car, and the team prepared me as best they could. We go into tomorrow with a long and difficult day ahead, but at the same time one that I’m very much looking forward to challenge and to see how it goes."
