Renault F1 launch: Q&A with Jolyon Palmer

Jolyon Palmer makes his Formula 1 race debut for Renault Sport Formula One Team, after performing Third Driver duties for the previous Enstone iteration of Lotus F1 Team in 2015.

He rose to Formula 1 on the back of his 2014 championship-winning GP2 season, as he became the first British driver to win the F1 feeder series since Lewis Hamilton in 2006. Driving for the successful French team DAMS, the now 25-year-old set a new record for the greatest number of points scored in a season with 256 points. He qualified on the front row seven times, won four races (at Bahrain, Monaco, Monza and Sochi) and secured an additional eight podium placings to win the championship with three races to spare.

Prior to GP2, Jolyon enjoyed an outstanding season in the 2010 FIA Formula 2 Championship where he finished runner-up after dominating the first half of the campaign. He pushed eventual champion Dean Stoneman all the way until the final round of the season, scoring five wins, ten podiums and five pole positions.

How does it feel when you hear the title, Jolyon Palmer 2016 Renault Sport Formula One Team racing driver?

It sounds great! I can’t wait to get started! It’s been a long winter but a really useful one for getting prepared. I’ve been in Enstone a lot and training really hard. Later this month that I’ll be back in the car in Barcelona; I couldn’t be more ready.

How much of a difference is it from being a third driver in a private team to a race driver for a manufacturer team?

It’s quite a change! It’s a massively exciting project and it’s superb to be involved from the very start. It was fantastic to be announced as a race driver for 2016, then the magnitude increased once it was confirmed that Renault had bought the team and is making a massive commitment for the future. Last year provided a really good grounding for me and we’re now all at the start of a tremendous opportunity. To be a works driver for a fully-fledged manufacturer F1 team is everything I could dream of.

What have you seen change at Enstone in the recent weeks?

There was an immediate change in vibe around the factory and very rapidly all the machines were fired into action and materials started arriving. The mood in the factory is so positive and forward-looking; this is a team that’s revitalised and going places again. It’s going to be a transitional year, coming from a difficult end to 2015, so it’s my task to do the best job possible as the team grows and develops through this season. The potential is immense.

What is your approach to the season?

To be as prepared as I can be and deal with the challenges as they arise. It’s been good to have the winter break to get myself in a very good place mentally and physically. I’m focused on the job in hand. Once we’ve been able to experience the car out on track in testing we’ll be able to plan our approach better, at the moment there are so many unknowns before the car turns a wheel. It’s a new car, new engine and new owners. I just want to do my best and be happy with what I’ve done by the end of the year.

Are you ready for big increase in your workload?

I am and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I’m a Formula 1 driver, so I’m looking forward to every element. Last year was more intense than I expected and I was able to see how busy the drivers were. It’s not just on track, it’s the travel to get there as well as the time at the factory and other events. Now being part of a works team – with dealerships all over the place – it’s going to be really busy working with the Renault family and friends. The workload is part of a driver’s life. I’m sure I’ll see some interesting places and meet some lovely people over the course of the season. It’ll be a busy year and hopefully a very good year.

What have you been doing in preparation?

My winter training’s been really intense and really positive. When you’re unable to drive the car it’s good to be able to work on your fitness. Unfortunately I’ve had to contend with the British weather so I’ve done quite a bit inside in the gym! I’m a bit of a fair weather player, but I have been outside running when it stops raining!

Parlez-vous Francais?

I did do some French at A-level but I certainly will be brushing up on that! There’s certainly going to be plenty of people to speak French with and we’re all involved in this terrific project with great targets to achieve.

Key Dates:

2015 – Formula 1

Jolyon began his Formula 1 career with Lotus F1 Team, undergoing extensive free practice work alongside other Third Driver duties such as a simulator programme.

2011-2014 – GP2 Series

Champion with four wins, eight podiums and a series record of 256 points and 19 consecutive points finishes in 2014 to round off his GP2 season in style. The Brit had made his GP2 debut back in 2011, scoring a top ten finish on his debut at Abu Dhabi and continued to score highly in his first year. The following year saw the Brit partner current Sauber driver Marcus Ericsson at the iSport International team. Electrical issues blighted his early season although a change of chassis fired Jolyon to a point-scoring sixth place in Monaco soon after before winning the following sprint race, also in the principality. 2013 proved a good precursor to his championship-winning season, grabbing the feature race victory in Hungary, dominating in Singapore and finishing seventh overall in the standings.

2009-2010 – FIA Formula 2 Championship

Jolyon took a best finish of sixth in his first year, and began his second year with victory at Silverstone as he became the first British F2 winner since his father Jonathan at Mugello in 1983. He continued to impress and had the championship lead by the third round at Monza before eventually slipping to second behind Dean Stoneman.

2007- 2008 – Formula Palmer Audi

Jolyon finished 12th on his debut at Silverstone before improving to take wins at Brands Hatch and Oulton Park. A quad bike injury stopped him finishing his first season but he recovered to challenge for the title in 2008, eventually finishing third after winning at Spa and taking 11 podium finishes.