Lotus reserve driver Jolyon Palmer will have a couple of fresh opportunities to drive the Mercedes-powered E23 Hybrid at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The reigning GP2 Series champion, who joined the Enstone-based team over the winter, will first be in action during the first free practice session of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

This will be Palmer’s third FP1 appearance this year after replacing regular driver Romain Grosjean in China and Bahrain. The 24-year-old is then scheduled to get a second run during next week’s first two-day in-season test where he will feature on Wednesday.

“I am really pleased to be back in the car for Barcelona,” said Palmer.

“It is nice to be back at the track, having already driven the car there in the official pre-season test back in February.

“After a three-week gap since Bahrain, I'm already looking forward to starting the weekend.”

Click here for a look at the radical Honda power unit design

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Antonelli caught off guard by Vettel record question in Austin

Kimi Antonelli is closing in on a place in Formula 1 history, but one chapter…

2 hours ago

Hadjar: Red Bull’s car was “completely gone” in Austin

Red Bull arrived in Austin riding a wave of momentum, but Friday’s running at the…

4 hours ago

A landmark triumph for Ginther, Honda and Goodyear in Mexico

The Mexican Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez will always hold a special place…

4 hours ago

Newey: Honda’s resolve ‘only strengthened’ by struggles

Adrian Newey has offered a candid assessment of Aston Martin’s challenging first season with Honda,…

6 hours ago

Leclerc insists Ferrari upgrade 'definitely not what you think'

Charles Leclerc topped both Friday practice sessions at the Circuit of the Americas, but refused…

7 hours ago

Norris wrestling with ‘difficult’ McLaren car: ‘We’re a step behind’

Lando Norris concluded Friday’s running at the United States Grand Prix with a familiar frustration:…

8 hours ago