JULY 7, 2016

Palmer aware 2016 could be only home GP

Jolyon Palmer says he will savour his home race at Silverstone this weekend, because it could be his only shot at racing in a British grand prix.

But the 25-year-old rookie said "crappy" recent rumours of his demise were actually been greatly exaggerated.

"It's not nice to see but I know myself that the story's rubbish and at the end of the day what's said in the media is not going to affect the Renault bosses' decision whether I get the drive or not," Palmer said.

Indeed, shining in the yellow Renault - which was actually designed mainly by the cash-strapped Lotus team - has been difficult for Palmer due to its lack of competitiveness.

"It's difficult when car is very difficult to drive and you're fighting at the back with very little to gain and you've got cars coming past you that are so much quicker," he is quoted by the Telegraph.

"Hopefully in coming races and end of the year we'll be a lot stronger, I'll be more experienced and can put it all together."

But in the corner of his mind, he knows that amid the rumours and because of his one-year deal, he really needs to savour racing for his home crowd this weekend.

"Definitely," Palmer said.

"I have a one-year contract, so this could be my one and only British grand prix. I hope not but at the same time, I am not there to saviour the moment.

"I can enjoy some moments of it but I am 100 per cent focused on making sure this is not my only British grand prix. If it is my only British grand prix, it is because I am not doing a very good job," he admitted.

(GMM)