Palmer 'massively surprised' by spin and crash

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Kicking off a new season with a crash is obviously painful, but Jolyon Palmer says he was totally caught out by his Renault's sudden reaction in FP2.

The Brit lost the rear through the final corner on his second flying lap and found himself a hopeless passenger as the Renault slammed backwards into the tyre wall.

"I just turned it in, had a bit of understeer and the car really let go on the rear," Palmer said.

"I was completely surprised as I was feeling quite comfortable in the car, it feel really good in the four laps I did today. It was all under control and suddenly it was in the wall.

"I had no chance. It's the first time I've had that sort of problem in this car. It just let go."

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Palmer was trying to play catch up at the time the crash occurred, having been stranded in the garage for most of the first session following a gearbox related issue which affected the Renault RS17.

"In the few laps I did, I felt really comfortable and that we were in a good place.

"That's why in FP2 I felt the confidence to go and attack straight away and the lap I was doing was going to be pretty sensible as well.

"Losing a lot of time now puts me on the back foot. I think I can recover it, tomorrow I need to have a really good FP3."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.