Photo: Lotus F1 Team
Reigning GP2 champion Jolyon Palmer has received an incredible 24th birthday present from the Lotus F1 team, the role of third driver.
Palmer, who dominated the GP2 series on his way to the title, tested with the Force India team at the Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi. After setting some impressive times, the Englishman declared that he was fully focussed on finding a reserve role with an F1 team for 2015, with the goal of being promoted to a race seat in 2016.
With a reserve role now signed, Palmer expressed his joy at becoming an F1 driver:
“It’s the dream to be with a Formula 1 team and now I can say I am a Formula 1 driver. I tested with a Force India last year which was already a dream but now to have a full role with a team, a prestigious team as well like Lotus F1 Team, is an amazing opportunity.
“My main aim is to race in Formula 1 so I’ll be working as hard as I can on every aspect of my new job! Working as a Third Driver is the next best thing to being a race driver. I’ll be working with the engineers throughout the season whether I’m in the car or not. There is a lot to learn and I’ll be working to make a valuable contribution to the E23’s development. Every time I’m in the car, I’ll try to give my very best. It’s not just being quick, but also working with the engineers and the team as well.”
Delighted to confirm I will move up to F1 in 2015 with @Lotus_F1Team as 3rd driver. Can't wait to get started! pic.twitter.com/DlGbWXiFpP
— Jolyon Palmer (@JolyonPalmer) January 20, 2015
