Palmer asks Renault to check RS17 chassis

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Jolyon Palmer is insisting that Renault conduct a thorough examination of his RS17 chassis following the Brit's heavy crash a week ago in Australia.

Palmer hit the tyre wall in Friday's free practice in Melbourne but failed to finish the race when the brakes on his repaired RS17 became stuck.

Subsequently, he wants his team to check his car for any residual damage before taking to the track in China next weekend.

"Obviously I had a big crash on Friday so we've changed a lot of parts on the car," said Palmer.

"We just need to have a good look and make sure everything is working as it should. I trust the guys will do that, they're experienced and know what they're doing so I have no worries on my side.

"We just need to have a good look and make sure we're in a good position to start in China."

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Palmer endured a miserable start to his 2017 season, suffering gearbox issues early on and a fuel pressure problem which thwarted his efforts in qualifying, leaving car and driver as the slowest pair on the grid.

Sunday's race brought a retirement after just 15 laps when the Renault's brakes anchored as Palmer was making progress in a car he felt was acting better.

"It was much better," he said.

"The start was good, I think on the softs, we struggle compared to the guys on ultra-softs, but still it was looking sensible.

"It was a shame because it would have been good to do the race distance and see how we ended up, and also it would have been good to have more mileage.

"Those laps, that's my personal best [consecutive laps on track] across a race weekend and four test days."

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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.