Determined Jolyon Palmer fights back to score points at Spa

Southwater racer Jolyon Palmer turned in a gritty performance to add to his GP2 Series score at Spa-Francorchamps (23-25 August), despite being taken out of contention in the opening race.

Jolyon Palmer, Carlin

Photo by: GP2 Media Service

A good start to race one gained Jolyon a place on the run to La Source and he ran three abreast with Marcus Ericsson and Alexander Rossi down the hill to Eau Rouge. He passed Ericsson up the Hill to Les Combes and completed the opening lap in fifth place, with team mate Felipe Nasr slotting in behind.

The race was then neutralised to clear an accident at Eau Rouge but at the restart Nasr attempted a lunge down the inside at the La Source hairpin, which resulted in both Carlin drivers colliding. Nasr was out on the spot and was later handed a penalty by the stewards for his actions, however Jolyon was now down in 19th place. Nevertherless he fought his way back to 15th place by the chequered flag.

A determined drive in the sprint race saw Jolyon claim several places in the opening laps. He was soon into the top ten and despite being hit by rival Dani Clos, continued to progress up the order. This involved several battles with the surrounding pack and by the end of the race Jolyon had scored valuable points for sixth place, further enhancing his reputation the championship’s most prolific overtaker.

Afterwards Jolyon commented: "It was a good race today, coming from 15th to finish sixth at the end and take a few points. Unfortunately we were always on the back foot after yesterday's incident and it has costs us a lot of points this weekend. Now we must just make sure it doesn't happen again and move on for Monza in two weeks' time."

Jolyon is back in action in the GP2 Series at Monza, Italy on 6-8 September.

Jolyon Palmer Press