Palmer determined to 'hit the ground running'!

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After a winter of heavy preparation, and a year of experience under his belt, Jolyon Palmer is lean and mean and raring to go!

The British driver clearly had a sparkle in his eye and a spring in his step this afternoon at Renault's launch of its new RS 17 car. And it wasn't just due to the happy sight of his impressive 2017 ride.

"I learnt a huge amount in 2016," Palmer said off the bat.

"This time last year I’d never contested a Grand Prix, I didn’t know what to expect and everything was new on so many levels.

"Twelve months on, I have 20 Grands Prix under my belt, which means a decent amount of experience, I know the team really well and Renault as a manufacturer, so I start my year far ahead of where I began in 2016.

"I know what to expect from the season ahead and I’m confident I can hit the ground running. I should be better in every way."

Renault top brass setting a high bar for 2017

The prospect of entering his second Formula 1 season at the wheel of a heavily revised race car, and one which will be much faster at that, has Palmer every excited.

"It’s super exciting," he enthused.

"There are so many unknowns that I think it’s exciting for all drivers across the grid, but for us with our first proper designed and conceived race car it’s going to be very interesting.

"I think this generation of car will be fun to drive. They appear very different and I’m looking forward to hearing the reactions of the fans. The R.S.17 looks really racy and I can’t wait to taste it on track for the first time.

"There’s a lot more freedom for the designers so it’ll be great to see what they’ve done. Downforce is such a major factor for a fast lap time so it’s going to make a big difference. The wider tyres are going to be interesting too.

"Everything from the simulations has been positive. It’s much quicker - which is always fun - and then the new regs mean the pecking order can be mixed up as well.

"There’s a lot to look forward to. After a tough season in 2016 I think there’s a strong chance for us to make a good step forward."

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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.