Palmer out to generate 'more good memories' in Singapore

©WRI2

Many distractions shall be lining Jolyon Palmer's road to Singapore, but points will be the only thing on the Renault driver's mind.

It's been a very difficult 2017 campaign for the British driver, littered with bad luck, mechanical woes, mistakes and off-track rumors announcing his impending demise.

For all the pressure and distractions, and regardless of what may unfold in the coming weeks, Palmer remains focused on the job at hand, as he head to a venue which has treated him well in the past.

"I love Singapore as it’s a highly unique event under the lights. I’ve won there in the GP2 Series and it was one of my best wins," said the Renault driver in the team's preview.

"In fact, I raced there two years running and both years were very good. Hopefully I can create more good memories there.

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"It’s a cool feeling driving at night as you can see the circuit very clearly from the lights but your vision is channeled as the background is in darkness.

"The final sector is a real challenge with the section under the grandstand. It’s tight over the bridge too so you need your wits about you."

The twist and bumpy Marina Bay street circuit requires precision and consistency, and favours those who succeed in keeping out of harm's way while racing on the limit.

"Stringing a perfect lap together is very testing. Over the bridge and the middle of the lap are pretty tough to get right as you’re braking as you turn so it’s easy to lock a wheel, and the last sector is very tight and twisty.

"We see the circuit change a lot over the weekend as the surface rubbers in then the climatic conditions are reasonably different between FP1 and FP2, then FP3 and qualifying.

"Getting a good handle on the balance of the car gives us plenty of work as generally it’s cooler later in the night. It’s not your usual race weekend!"

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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.