Paul Di Resta adds to the 2010 championships won by his cousins, Dario and Marino Franchitti, by earning his first DTM title on Sunday in China.

"This championship is great for me and the team, but it's especially important to my family, my supporters and, most importantly, my dad," he said. "He was the one who gave me the opportunity to go racing when I was a kid and if it hadn't been for his commitment and belief, I wouldn't be where I am today. At the end of the day he's put way more effort into this than anyone else. So I've got to say a big thanks to him.

“This smile won’t be off my face for a long time. Fortunately, my flight is only booked for Monday. I would have liked for more family members to be here to celebrate with me. But now, I will celebrate with the team. Today, it was more about the title rather than victory in the race. That has worked out”

Driving for the factory HWA Mercedes-Benz-Benz team, the Scot snatched the title at the final round in China, overcoming Canada’s Bruno Spengler, who held the points lead entering the 11th and final DTM contest of the 2010 season.

Di Resta led the field away from the start, but surrendered the lead to fellow Mercedes-Benz driver Gary Paffett at the first pit stop. Paffett, the 2005 DTM champion, led the remainder of the race while Di Resta settled for second, 3.7 seconds adrift, which was enough to earn his first title. Spengler finished 13th, more than 30 seconds behind Di Resta.

"We all know anything can happen in motorsport. It would just have taken a puncture and the title would have gone. Gary could go a bit more aggressive on the strategy whereas I had to play safe in case there was a safety car or a red flag. I just concentrated on doing what I had to do. I was constantly being kept up-to-date by my pit crew with everything else that was happening in the race, but I never took anything for granted and I certainly never thought the championship was clinched until I took the checkered flag."