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Di Resta could be champion - Fernley

Paul di Resta impressed in Bahrain but missed out on a podium in the closing laps © Sutton Images

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Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley says Paul di Resta "certainly" could be world champion in a Red Bull.

Di Resta equalled the best result of his Formula One career in Bahrain as he finished fourth, leaving him still searching for his first podium after 43 races. However, Fernley has no doubts that his driver's results to date have been limited by his machinery, and when asked by Sky Sports if di Resta could have won the title in recent years in a Red Bull, he replied: "Absolutely.

"There is no reason why he and a number of others would not have as well, but certainly Paul could. Probably at least 50% of the drivers on the grid today, given the right car and package, would be a World Champion, because they are some quality drivers."

With di Resta being paired with Adrian Sutil again this year having been beaten by Nico Hulkenberg in 2012, Fernley said Force India wanted its two drivers to be closely matched.

"It is the perfect scenario for us. The idea of bringing Adrian in was that it would be as seamless as possible as to what had been happening between Paul and Nico and Paul and Adrian.

"In 2011 when Paul and Adrian were fighting each other, it was equally close, but what we wanted to do was keep the pressure on Paul actually because each driver needs to be performing at their limit. They need to give us quite a tough time and we have to set it up that they are having a tough time."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.