Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsRenault

Renault wants aggressive approach from Palmer in 2016

Renault is expecting less caution and more aggression from Jolyon Palmer in his maiden Formula 1 season this year.

In 2015, Palmer dovetailed his GP2 commitments with Friday testing duties for Lotus, running in eight free-practice sessions on Grand Prix weekends.

The French manufacturer's trackside operations director Alan Permane has no doubts about Palmer's ability to perform consistently at the highest level, but he does believe the 25-year-old British driver, who will be paired with Kevin Magnussen at Renault this season, needs to show more aggression behind the wheel.

"Jolyon didn't have too much of a chance to shine last year," Permane told Autosport.

"He was very unlucky with the weather, missing a lot of first practice running. He still did well, but now I would like to see him do even more as he was possibly cautious, I don't know.

"He is not the sort of driver who will go out and spin at every corner to see where the limits of the car are, and stuff like that.

"Just to be clear, I have no doubt in him or his ability, or anything like that, and just talking to him you can see he is a bright guy.

"Seeing what he did in GP2, how quick he was, how well he raced, and knowing how he talks and thinks about race strategy and stuff, just how his mind works, I'm sure he is going to be fine."

Feature: How to fuel success in F1

F1i exclusive: Tost "more than positive" about Toro Rosso drivers

Key dates for the 2016 F1 season

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.