Renault uncovers 'gremlin' which dogged Palmer

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Renault have identified and resolved the issue at the origin of Jolyon Palmer's disastrous Australian Grand Prix weekend.

Limited mileage and a crash in free practice coupled with locked brakes in the race made Palmer's life a misery Down Under, but the Brit is looking for a fresh start in China.

"It’s a clean slate approach for me as Australia was a bit of a shocker," Palmer says.

"Fortunately the team were able to find the particular gremlin which affected me over the weekend so I’m heading to Shanghai as if it’s my first race of the season.

"Nico’s shown the race potential so let’s get out there and make points happen."

Palmer admits that a trouble-free run in Shanghai is all that he needs, a normality he hopes he will be awarded in order to get more mileage under his belt with Renault's new-spec RS17.

"More time in the car is all that’s needed to lead to a much better weekend. It’s as simple as that.

"Albert Park was a really frustrating start to the season so I’m looking to get more laps on the board and more progress in the race.

"Obviously, there were many factors out of my hands in Australia, so the team’s checked over the car very carefully to ensure we don’t see a repeat of any of the same issues.

"From my side, I’ll be avoiding the walls very keenly too!"

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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.