Jolyon Palmer looked all set for a brilliant result in qualifying this afternoon before a gearbox issue thwarted the Renault driver's efforts.

Palmer has unsuccessfully chasing a good result this year following a troubled campaign marked by mistakes, mechanical woes and outside pressure to see him perform.

The Briton's RS17 enjoys at Spa exactly the same spec as team mate Nico Hulkenberg's car, and Palmer put it to good use, until troubles crept in once again.

"It's such a shame as we were going great guns out there," said a disappointed Palmer who wasn't sure if his a gearbox issue would warrant a change and a grid penalty

"I think Q1/Q2 was easy through, and then both my laps in Q2 would have put seventh on the grid. So to not even take part in Q3, it's disappointing to be tenth, but at least we have to try and stay there and not take a penalty."

Under pressure to deliver a string of results to help salvage his seat at Renault, and perhaps his F1 career, Palmer knows he must make the most of any opportunity thrown his way.

"I've got to be happy with that qualifying really, compared to where we've been. I think the whole weekend has been really good since FP1.

"I was just happy with the car, had a great feeling all the way through. I think we've done a good job as a team.

"We've just got to get it back in one piece tomorrow and get some points."

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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.

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