F2 - Palmer Preparing For New Series Race Debut In Abu Dhabi This Week

2010 F2 runner-up focussed on solid maiden series performance

2010 FIA Formula Two Championship runner-up Jolyon Palmer will make his GP2 race debut at Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi this week, following a successful test at the Middle East venue which concluded yesterday (Monday).

Palmer stepped up to the renowned F1 feeder series last month after signing for the Arden Motorsport team alongside Czech driver Josef Kral. Despite being a newcomer within an experienced field of more than 25 internationally acclaimed young drivers, he enjoyed a solid performance during the four day pre-event test in Abu Dhabi - finishing inside the top 10 on two occasions with a best result of 6th.

"The test has been positive in general," remarked Palmer. "I had no expectations as it's a tough field this year - there are only five or six rookies and the rest are very experienced - but I've been satisfied by my performance, as I've been around the edges of the top ten. There were some frustrations in the afternoon sessions as my timings were interrupted by red flags and an engine failure on one day, but I'm confident that I can put in a solid performance in this weekend's races."

Jolyon's competitive debut gets underway with qualifying on Thursday followed by a race on both Friday and Saturday, and the Briton is looking forward to his competitive debut in the state of the art 612bhp GP2 cars.

"I quite like the Abu Dhabi circuit - being a full F1 venue it's very smooth and the slightly shortened corkscrew layout we're using has some real undulations. I think it's going to be quite a crazy first lap come raceday!"

In preparation for the opening round of the GP2 Asia Series, Palmer is concentrating on analysing the data gained from testing in order to turn in the best performance possible during his season debut.

"The guys at the Arden team are doing a great job and I've settled in well, it's good to have an experienced team-mate like Josef Kral to learn from," Palmer concluded. "Now testing is finished we'll have a team briefing and there's lots of data to go through to look at our strengths and work on our weaknesses ahead of the first race. I'd like to be around the top ten in qualifying and race one, but my aim is to just take it as it comes and try and score a solid result."