Jolyon Palmer gets five more F1 grand prix practice runs for Lotus
The Lotus Formula 1 team will field Jolyon Palmer in first practice sessions at the next five grands prix as part of its ongoing commitment to the GP2 champion
Palmer has already been behind the wheel of the E23 in practice one at three races to date in China, Bahrain and Spain, replacing Romain Grosjean on each occasion.
The 24-year-old will now further enhance his experience with Friday morning outings in the upcoming races in Austria, his home race in Britain, Hungary, Belgium and Italy.
Palmer will also drive on the first day of the second in-season test at the Red Bull Ring that follows the grand prix on June 23.
"I'm really pleased to be driving in FP1 for the rest of the European season," said Palmer.
"I've been happy with my performances so far and the car is improving all the time so, after watching on at the last two events, it will be great to be driving again."
It is understood Palmer is to take part in 10 practice one sessions overall this season, leaving a further two to come once the flyaway end to the calendar commences with a trip to Singapore in mid-September.
Grosjean has already made clear his displeasure at being displaced from his seat for so many first practice runs, claiming it affects his preparation ahead of the race weekend.
However, both he and team-mate Pastor Maldonado have contracts with Lotus through to the end of 2016, with Palmer told by CEO Matthew Carter he will have to be patient if wants a permanent drive from '17 onwards.
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
McLaren's Alonso sure some F1 teams will get new rules wrong
Formula 1 peaked in 2000s, not Senna/Prost era, Alonso believes
How Hamilton has battled his own mentality
F1 driver mid-season swaps - Schumacher, De Vries, Verstappen and more
Nico Hulkenberg says he did not 'slack' alongside Jolyon Palmer in F1
How Palmer impressed McLaren
Friday favourite: Why Herbert prefers a car he had to wrestle above his F1 winners
How BRM’s engine overreach hindered a pioneering F1 Lotus
Indy 500 retrospective: When Jones beat Clark and paused a revolution
Ocon wants set-up changes after China F1 sprint as "performance left on the side"
MotoGP schedule: When is the next MotoGP race and where will it be held?
Honda MotoGP boss "confused" by "good improvements" not working
Friday favourite: Why Herbert prefers a car he had to wrestle above his F1 winners
The short-term pain that hides a very real Williams improvement
How a Shanghai to Sheffield journey paved the way for China’s F1 hero
Why F1 2026 worst case fears could be key to new rules success
How the F1 driver market situation sits for each team with 2025 openings
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments