OCTOBER 23, 2015

Lotus announce Palmer for race seat in 2016

The Lotus F1 team has announced today that 24-year-old British driver Jolyon Palmer has been promoted to a race seat alongside Pastor Maldonado for the 2016 season.

Palmer has acted as Third Driver and Reserve driver for the team this season, and has participated in ten Friday Practice session so far.

Palmer, the son of former Formula 1 driver Jonathan Palmer, won the 2015 GP2 championship, and is the first British driver to win the Series since Lewis Hamilton won it in 2006.

Lotus Team Principal Gerard Lopez said, "We are very pleased to announce that exciting British racing talent Jolyon Palmer is promoted to a race seat with the team for next season. Weve seen Jolyons hard work and talent this season in the way hes approached his third driver role and he is a really popular choice for the team. As well as having a great future ahead of him behind the wheel, Jolyon is an intelligent and highly marketable asset to the team. He deserves this opportunity, and everyone at Enstone is excited to see what he can achieve next year."

Jolyon Palmer said, "Im obviously delighted that Ill be racing in Formula 1 next year. Lotus F1 Team gave me a tremendous opportunity this season and I thank them for assisting my development to a level where they have put their trust in me for a crucial season in their evolution. Ive enjoyed and learnt a lot from my year as Third and Reserve driver so Im looking forward to putting this into practice as a race driver in 2016. I cant wait for next season to get underway!"