Palmer targets podiums with Renault in 2017

Confidence plays a huge role in an F1 drivers' psyche but Jolyon Palmer's claim that Renault can aim for podium finishes in 2017 seems bold indeed.

It would be truly remarkable if the French outfit could fulfill Palmer's prophecy but Nico Hulkenberg himself has conceded that scoring points would already qualify as great achievement.

Palmer is convinced however that Renault will be making big strides this season and enjoy a major breakthrough.

"We think the top three - Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari - will continue to lead, but we can fight in the next group with Williams, Force India, McLaren and maybe Toro Rosso," Palmer told Autocar.

"We want to be fighting for points in every race."

That's a tall order based on last year's statistics, but with everyone starting from a clean slate thanks to a regulation reset, the odd upset is always possible and we dearly hope Plamer can pull off.

"I dream of a podium," he admitted.

"Obviously, everything's up in the air at present. If we scored a podium, it would have to be the result of a perfect race.

"But if Force India can get two of them in 2016, we can do it this year. That's what I feel right now, anyway."

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