Renault development driver Oliver Rowland is confident of securing a Formula 1 seat for the 2018 season if he continues his strong form in F2.

Rowland currently sits 2nd in the standings of F1’s principal support series, with four podium finishes under his belt.

Meanwhile, Jolyon Palmer looks to be hanging on by a thread at Renault, potentially opening the door for his compatriot.

The 24-year old says he has a good relationship with the team but acknowledges that he must up his game to secure its faith.

“It’s quite clear for me that I have to do my job first before I start looking and bigging myself up for that drive,” Rowland, who joined the team last year, told Motorsport.com. “I need to improve a little bit in F2.

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“I’ve been in the [Renault] factory a lot, behind closed doors, I think we have a good relationship and, you know, it’ll come down to me doing a good job in F2, if I have a chance to get the seat.

“But I don’t see any reason – up against anybody, I think I can be as quick as anybody and I’ve shown that I’m consistent, so I don’t see any reason why I can’t be in the frame.”

Rowland and Red Bull prospect Pierre Gasly narrowly got the better of Force India driver Esteban Ocon in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 in 2013 but both have since been leapfrogged by the Frenchman.

The Briton feels young drivers need more opportunities to prove themselves and has urged F1 teams to take a chance.

“I think sometimes you get the break, and he [Ocon] did. But he did a good year in F3 and GP3,” Rowland said.

“I took the gamble to go straight from Eurocup to [Formula Renault] 3.5, which is a bigger step. Sometimes you get a bit lucky and sometimes you don’t, but I think me and Pierre [Gasly] have proved ourselves against the likes of him.

“It’s just, in my opinion, the fact that the teams need to give younger drivers a chance. All we need is one chance to show if we’re good enough.”