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Abiteboul in no doubt that Palmer will bounce back

By his own account, the start of the 2017 season has been a disappointing one for Jolyon Palmer, void of any points but filled with bad luck and a few mistakes.

Palmer has struggled to deliver a valid performance in the first four races of the season, be it in qualifying, where team mate Nico Hulkenberg has done very well, or in the races.

The Brit has a precious ally however, with Renault Sport boss Cyril Abiteboul convinced his driver has what it takes to bounce back and perform.

"For Jolyon, it’s been a tough start to the season; if there’s been an issue affecting the car, you can almost guarantee it happens his side of the garage," Abiteboul said before this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

" This is something we are responding to by ensuring each and every reliability issue that impacts upon performance is addressed and so much work occurs in this regard away from the track at Enstone and Viry.

"We know that Jolyon has deep reserves and can bounce back well. We saw last year how he came on strong in the second half of the season so we’re working hard to give him the car in which he can deliver. "

Palmer's hope for this weekend is to simply enjoy a trouble-free series of sessions, out of harm's way, to rake in mileage and improve his and the RS17's performance.

"The outlook is good," he says.

"We’ve seen what the R.S.17 is capable of and I know that all I need to score points is a straightforward weekend.

Russia was really frustrating as I had a good car under me but I was out of the race by the second corner. That’s motor racing, but it’s still very frustrating. "

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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.