Renault retains Palmer for 2017posted in F109 | 11 | 2016
RENAULT HAS CONFIRMED Jolyon Palmer will remain with its Formula 1 team for 2017, joining Nico Hulkenberg, who has already announced he is leaving Force India at the end of the year.
Palmer joined Renault Sport Formula One Team’s predecessor Lotus F1 Team as Third Driver at the start of the 2015 season, graduating to race driver for 2016 with Renault Sport Formula One Team.
To date he has started 18 grands prix, scoring his first world championship point at this year’s Malaysian Grand Prix.
“I’m over the moon to be racing with Renault Sport Formula One Team for a second season,” Palmer, the 2014 GP2 Series Champion. said, “and I can’t wait to reward the team’s faith in me on track.
“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.
“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. There is tremendous drive and enthusiasm in Enstone. We’re looking to next year and I am honoured to be part of this.”
Palmer’s deal was welcomed by Jérôme Stoll, Renault Sport Racing chairman.
“We are delighted to retain Jolyon as our driver for the 2017 season,” Stoll said. “Jolyon has shown his hunger to develop with us as the team grows and we have been impressed with his increasingly strong performances on track as the season has progressed.
“We are confident the combination of Jolyon and Nico Hülkenberg offers a very promising driving force to meet our goals. Jolyon understands the team’s spirit and motivates everyone he works with.
“The line-up of Jolyon and Nico harnesses the benefits of continuity and fresh blood. I am sure that having Nico as a team-mate will help push Jolyon to greater achievements.”
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Jim McGill