Bob Fernley says Paul Di Resta would be World Champion in a Red Bull

Force India's Deputy Team Principal Bob Fernley says Paul Di Resta would be a World Champion by now had he been driving a Red Bull.

The Scottish driver was one of the standout performers in Bahrain, narrowly missing out on his maiden podium finish having preserved his tyres enough to make one stop fewer than his rivals.

When asked by Sky Sports F1's Rachel Brookes if the 27-year-old could have won the Drivers' Championship in recent seasons had he been driving a Red Bull, Fernley was adamant in his response.

"Absolutely, there is no reason why he and a number of others would not have as well, but certainly Paul could," the Deputy Team Principal said.

"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."

Di Resta has been reunited with former team-mate Adrian Sutil this season and the pair have been evenly matched during the opening four races. Fernley hopes they will continue to push each other throughout 2013 and drive the team forwards.

"It is the perfect scenario for us," he added.

"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."