'The pace has gone,' says a bewildered Palmer

Jolyon Palmer was looking forward to the opportunity of moving up the grid in Barcelona after a troubled first four races with Renault this year so far.

While his runs in free practice since yesterday morning appeared to bode well for qualifying, the Brit was unexpectedly eliminated in Q1 with a disappointing P17 result.

"To be honest I don't what happened," said a perplexed Palmer.

"The pace is gone. I was quite happy yesterday, jumped straight and was feeling good for this weekend, feeling good with the practice yesterday and today, but it's gone."

"I'm quite confused really, it didn't feel good in the car. I didn't do such a horrendus lap but there wasn't any pace there."

Palmer was hopeful however that a thorough analysis would reveal the source of his sudden loss of speed.

"We'll work on it and see what we can do. I'm sure somewhere in the data and in the feedback there will be an explanation because yesterday I was alot quicker than what I've just done in qualifying. It's a bit strange."

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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.