Palmer joins the Lotus F1 Team as third driver

(Lotus F1 Team)

The Lotus F1 Team have confirmed that they have signed 2014 GP2 champion Jolyon Palmer as their official third driver.

Palmer dominated the 2014 GP2 championship winning the title early. After winning the title he took part in the end of season test session that took place in Abu Dhabi driving for the Sahara Force India Formula One team. At the time he stated that his goal was to obtain a third driver role with a Formula One team and that is exactly what he has done.

(Lotus F1 Team)

As part of his new role with the Lotus F1 Team, Palmer will attend all Grand Prix this season and will help the team in the development of their 2015 car, the E23 as they embark on an exciting new partnership with Mercedes Benz.

(Lotus F1 Team)

Palmer will also get his chance to drive the car during a significant number of Free Practice sessions over the course of the season. Speaking about the news, Lotus F1 Team Principal and Chairman Gerard Lopez stated:

‘Jolyon is a fantastic talent and a very credible driver to fulfil the role of Third Driver at Lotus F1 Team. Romain and Pastor are both GP2 Series Champions, so we know what a fantastic proving ground GP2 provides.

For Jolyon to have enjoyed such a successful season as he took his title last year shows his superb potential for the future. We are looking forward to seeing him in team colours and behind the wheel of our 2015 car, the E23 Hybrid, which represents an exciting new era for Lotus F1 Team.’

Palmer commented on the news saying:

‘I'm delighted to be moving into F1 with Lotus F1 Team this year as Third Driver and I'm very grateful for the opportunity they have given me.

My goal has been to become a race driver in a competitive F1 team for 2016 and Lotus F1 Team is a great opportunity for me, particularly with Mercedes engines now.

To be able to learn with a major F1 team by working closely with them in every area and getting a lot of mileage in the car is the best way possible, as Valtteri Bottas proved. I am delighted to be joining Lotus F1 Team at such an exciting time and my objective is to earn a long term future with them.’

(Lotus F1 Team)