Lotus has announced Jolyon Palmer as its second race driver for 2016, replacing Romain Grosjean.
Palmer has been the Lotus reserve driver this season after winning last year's GP2 championship, and has taken part in a number of FP1 sessions. Lotus has now confirmed he will be promoted to a race seat alongside Pastor Maldonado next season, and team principal Gerard Lopez says he has impressed the team with his performances both in the car and of track.
“We are very pleased to announce that exciting British racing talent Jolyon Palmer is promoted to a race seat with the team for next season," Lopez said. "We’ve seen Jolyon’s hard work and talent this season in the way he’s approached his third driver role and he is a really popular choice for the team.
"As well as having a great future ahead of him behind the wheel, Jolyon is an intelligent and highly marketable asset to the team. He deserves this opportunity, and everyone at Enstone is excited to see what he can achieve next year.”
Palmer himself praises the team for giving him enough track time and responsibility to prove himself ready for a race seat.
“I’m obviously delighted that I’ll be racing in Formula 1 next year," Palmer said. "Lotus F1 Team gave me a tremendous opportunity this season and I thank them for assisting my development to a level where they have put their trust in me for a crucial season in their evolution.
"I’ve enjoyed and learnt a lot from my year as Third and Reserve driver so I’m looking forward to putting this into practice as a race driver in 2016. I can’t wait for next season to get underway!”
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