Jolyon Palmer remains with Renault in 2017

F1 News – Renault has confirmed that Jolyon Palmer will continue to race for the manufacturer in Formula 1 next year, alongside new arrival Nico Hülkenberg, ending speculation over the outfit’s 2017 pairing.

Palmer, the 2014 GP2 champion, spent last season as Lotus’ test and reserve driver before penning a deal to graduate to a race seat, with his commitment honoured when Renault acquired the squad.

Palmer endured a difficult start to his rookie campaign, which included finishing last in China, crashing out heavily in Monaco and exiting Q1 in 10 successive events from Bahrain to Hungary.

However, Palmer has made progress across the second half of the season and recorded his first Formula 1 point in Malaysia, before going on to enjoy solid races in Japan and Mexico.

Palmer’s future was uncertain as Renault dithered over its 2017 line-up, with Kevin Magnussen and Mercedes-backed Manor driver Esteban Ocon initially thought to have been favoured.

However, Magnussen is set to make the switch to Haas, with Ocon poised to join Force India, which uses Mercedes power units, leaving Palmer secure at Renault for a further term.

“I’m over the moon to be racing with Renault for a second season and I can’t wait to reward the team’s faith in me on track,” commented Palmer, as the deal was announced by the team.

“Having worked out of Enstone since 2015 I can fully appreciate the development of the infrastructure this year. This means I share the excitement of the team looking to 2017 and our new car.”

Palmer is confident that both he and Renault will make a step forward next year.

“For me, it’s been a steep learning curve driving in Formula 1 and I know that I am performing better than ever, and that there’s still more to come,” the 25-year-old went on to state.

“There is tremendous drive and enthusiasm [at the team’s UK and French factories] in Enstone and Viry-Châtillon looking to next year and I’m honoured to be part of this.”

Category: Formula One