Williams F1 team accepts Massa's sub di Resta will be 'nervous'

Di Resta will take over the unwell Massa's car, which will be renumbered to #40, from the start of qualifying.

He has not driven the FW40 on track, although he does have some knowledge of F1 hybrid technology from driving the 2014 FW36 test car used by Lance Stroll.

"I'm sure he's probably fairly nervous," said Williams of di Resta, who last raced in F1 with Force India in 2013.

"But Paul is an experienced driver, and I couldn't feel happier actually that we have someone of Paul's calibre and experience, even though he may not have taken part in a race weekend for a couple of years.

"He's driven this era's hybrid cars, he's driven in our 36 (pictured below), so I have confidence.

"Of course it's going to be tough. He hasn't had any practice, and he's got to get straight into qualifying in an hour's time.

"I'm sure there are some nerves there, he hasn't had much time to get ready, but I have utter confidence in him that if anyone can do this, Paul can."

Williams said that modifying the car for di Resta was not a big issue.

"It's not as complicated as you probably imagine," she added.

"There are a few changes to make inside the cockpit. Obviously Paul's a little bit taller than Felipe, but they rehearsed it last night, and it takes about 40 minutes to make the changes.

"Paul has his licence, that's all sorted, and obviously in preparation last night we knew that potentially this could be an option for us. So we made sure everything was in place."