Jolyon Palmer GP2 test preview

JOLYON PALMER TO TEST GP2 IN ABU DHABI

FIA Formula Two Championship runner up Jolyon Palmer will take part in all four days of the official GP2 tests at Abu Dhabi on 23/24 and 27/28 November. The 19-year-old will drive for iSport on the first two days, and then Addax and ART on the third and fourth days respectively.

Palmer had a very impressive 2010 season in F2, taking five wins and ten podiums to clinch second in the championship. He is now targeting progression to GP2 for 2011.

"After finishing second in F2 this season, GP2 is the logical next step," explained Palmer, "I would love to be racing there in 2011 and would hope I could do a good job. However GP2 is clearly hugely competitive and it is important for me to take advantage of every bit of test time prior to the start of the 2011 season to begin learning."

"We wanted to have the best possible opportunity for me to try and prove my potential and teams to evaluate my ability. I am delighted that leading GP2 teams iSport, Addax and ART have all been sufficiently impressed with my F2 performance to give me the opportunity to join them, which I really appreciate".

Palmer admits that driving a GP2 car at Abu Dhabi for the first time is going to be a major challenge. "In some ways it's hard to know what to expect," Palmer said, "it's a new car, a new track and there will be many drivers with more experience than me, but I'm confident I can do a good job."

"Testing with three of the leading teams obviously adds a bit of pressure, but while it would be good to finish high up the order, it's also important for me to be pleased with my own performance and understand my strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately I need to impress the teams and show them I have potential, and I'm confident I can do that."

Jolyon also paid tribute to the impact Formula Two has had on his career, saying: "F2 has been brilliant this year. I have learnt a huge amount and F2 has been great for my confidence because I know I genuinely outperformed all but one driver in a field of 20 identical cars.

"My main focus at Abu Dhabi is obviously doing the business out on circuit, but it's also important to give good feedback and build relations within the teams. I want to be in GP2 next year and through this test programme I know I have the opportunity to prove I deserve it."

-source: f2