Di Resta relieved to end no-point run with seventh in Hungarian GP

The Force India driver prevailed in a tight midfield battle with the Toro Rossos, Nico Rosberg and Kamui Kobayashi to claim the best result of his 11-race F1 career.

But although he was pleased to end the barren streak, he was not too concerned about the recent lack of results because his performances in recent races has been strong enough to achieve similar results had bad luck not intervened.

"I was under a bit of pressure to score points," said di Resta. "But at the same time, I didn't make any mistakes in the last three races that have cost me anything.

"If we had come here and something had happened, it would have been very disappointing. I've always said that there are going to be highs and lows and I hope we've had a low and are rebuilding to a high."

Di Resta, who has now scored eight points in his rookie season, did have a close call during the race when Lewis Hamilton recovered from a spin at the chicane in front of him.

The Scot was forced to take to the grass at the exit of the corner to avoid collecting the McLaren.

"It was close," said di Resta. "But there are no hard feelings. He said that he didn't see me. He was puzzled as to why he got a penalty even after the race.

"Had he hit me it would have been a disappointing end. If I hadn't taken avoiding action, it would have been a disaster.

"He did apologise. But I can understand why he did it."