Jolyon Palmer says he has to work on two scenarios to try and ensure he is Romain Grosjean's replacement at Lotus.
Grosjean will join the new Haas F1 Team in 2016, leaving a vacancy at Lotus for next season. However, the team's future is uncertain with a Renault takeover dragging on and the team facing major debts, and Palmer says he has to work on ensuring he secures a seat regardless of the team's owners.
“Romain has confirmed he’s leaving so there’s a space and I’m wanting to be there and I’m pushing hard to be there," Palmer told F1i. "Obviously it’s complicated with Renault and Lotus still and it depends a bit on movement on that side.”
“I'm working a bit on two scenarios really. You’d be brave to just wait and see what happens in most situations really! It’s clear that I don’t want to be a third driver next year, so I’m pushing really hard. I’m here anyway this year because I want to be racing next year, that was the whole plan really from being GP2 champion.
“I’ve learned a lot this year, done a lot of driving even when the Fridays have been dieseled off or rained off! It has been good, I’ve learned a lot and I’m ready to step in so now I just need to make sure I can be the person that steps up and takes the seat.”
Lotus deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi said in the team's preview for the United States Grand Prix that it is has "a pretty good idea" who will replace Grosjean.
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