Palmer wants to go one better at home race

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A home race is an important event for an F1 driver of any status, but for Renault's Jolyon Palmer it could be an opportunity for a break-through points-scoring result.

Palmer half-heartedly joked that he had become a master of the 11th place after crossing the checkered flag in P11 for the third time in Austria.

An extra boost from the home crowd at Silverstone will hopefully provide the Renault driver with the extra edge necessary to gain that long-awaited championship point.

"Silverstone’s my home race so I am excited for that," Palmer said in the team's race weekend preview.

"I am going there after a fairly positive weekend, so I am aiming to keep the momentum and get those points.

"I’m really looking forward to racing in front of the home crowd. I love the track and it’s always a special weekend at Silverstone.

"People always turn out in huge numbers and they are very passionate which really pushes us drivers.

"My first Grand Prix at Silverstone was when I was six and a fan, so it’s special to be there with lots of reminiscing. It’s always a great experience."

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Racing on familiar turf, where Palmer knows each little crack and slit in the tarmac will only add to his chances.

"It’s certainly the Formula 1 track that I know the best so I’m hoping that gives me an extra boost along with all the home support.

"There are lots of high speed corners which are cool to drive and a lap has a really good flow to it. I had my first race at Silverstone when I was fifteen so I know the place pretty well !

"I’ve been on the podium a few times throughout my career including a win in Formula Two and second and third places in GP2."

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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.