GP2 champion Jolyon Palmer signed as Lotus reserve driver - Palmer makes the step up to F1 in 2015
Published by Christine
The Lotus F1 Team have signed their reserve driver for the 2015 season, bringing on board Jolyon Palmer who won the GP2 championship last year and has been looking for a way into Formula One. He had been linked with Force India, but with no race seats on the cards, he’s opted for a third driver role at Enstone.
Speaking of the opportunity, he says: “My goal has been to become a race driver in a competitive F1 team for 2016 and Lotus is a great opportunity for me, particularly with Mercedes engines now… I’m a bit sad that I won’t be competing, as racing is my favourite part of being a driver, but I have to look at the bigger picture.”
That bigger picture does include some Friday practice outings, as Lotus have confirmed his role will include “contributing to the car’s testing and development during the season” as well as “driving in a significant number of Free Practice 1 sessions.”
