Palmer remains hopeful of securing a reserve driver role in Formula One

(Sahara Force India Formula One Team)

Jolyon Palmer, the 2014 GP2 champion remains hopeful that he will be to secure a Formula One reserve driver role ahead of the start of the 2015 season.

The Englishman secured four victories on his way to the GP2 title. He won the championship at the Russian round of the GP2 Series at the Sochi circuit, three races before the end of the season. Palmer wants to make sure that he is in the strongest position possible for 2015 and then he will see what happens in 2016.

Palmer drove for the Sahara Force India Formula One Team during the end of season test at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi and showed impressive pace. Palmer admitted to being frustrated at not securing a Formula One race drive for 2015. 

Felipe Nasr who finished runner up to Palmer in the 2014 GP2 championship by over 50 points has secured a race seat with the Sauber F1 Team.

Palmer has also seen another GP2 rival, Raffaele Marciello become Scuderia Ferrari’s test and reserve driver from this season onwards.

One of the main obstacles in securing a place in Formula One is finding the funding to bring to a team which should not be the case. A driver of Palmer’s ability and talent should not have to rely on sponsorship to get a seat in Formula One.

There is something flawed in the system if the GP2 champion does not get a Formula One role while other drivers in the same category move up to the pinnacle of motor racing. 

© Ben Johnston 2015