Singapore GP: Paul di Resta delighted with 'best ever' race

Paul di Resta was thrilled with what he described as his "best day in Formula 1" after a career-best fourth place finish in the Singapore Grand Prix.

The Briton qualified sixth and a strong race saw him finish just four seconds behind the Ferrari of Fernando Alonso.

"We qualified well, raced hard and took advantage of retirements," said the Force India driver. "It will make a big difference to our championship fight.

"To push a Ferrari who's pushing for the championship is brilliant for us."

The fourth place was Di Resta's eighth points finish of the season and helped him leapfrog Michael Schumacher into 11th place in the drivers' standings - 13 points clear of his Force India team-mate Nico Hulkenberg.

The result also saw the team, which finished sixth in the constructors' championship last season, close the gap on Sauber in sixth this season to 25 points with six races remaining.

"Our nearest rivals didn't score so it's really special for us and we'll enjoy it tonight," he added.

"It would have been nice if the second safety car hadn't come out because Fernando was in traffic and we were a bit quicker.

"But he started to creep away at the end. Nonetheless, we take fourth with both hands."

With seats at Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes still available next season, and Di Resta yet to announce his plans, the Briton was asked what the future holds.

Di Resta added: "I've always said I want to be winning races. I'll enjoy that first and hopefully in the next six grands prix we can replicate it."