GP2 leader Palmer aims to extend title advantage in Monaco
The 23-year-old from Southwater has finished on the podium in each of the four GP2 races held so far in 2014.
Photo by: GP2 Media Service
GP2 Championship leader Jolyon Palmer heads to the world famous streets of Monte Carlo this weekend (22-24 May), with high hopes of extending his already comfortable championship advantage.
The 23-year-old from Southwater has finished on the podium in each of the four GP2 races held so far in 2014, including a victory in race two at Bahrain and two second places last time out in Barcelona. He lies 22 points clear of nearest rival Julian Leal.
Jolyon was a constant presence at the front of the field in Barcelona, having been fastest in practice before qualifying second. When team mate Stephane Richelmi stalled on the grid for race one, Jolyon inherited the lead position and led the early laps before pitting early for new tyres and eventually losing the lead to Johnny Cecotto Jr who won on a very different, risky tyre strategy.
Monaco poses a unique challenge for the drivers with little in the way of run off areas and Armco barriers lining the track. Jolyon excels on street circuits, scoring his first ever GP2 win in the principality in 2012, and thrived on the streets of Singapore last year with a pole position and a win in the Feature Race.
With overtaking at a premium on the tight and narrow layout, Jolyon has set his sights on a strong qualifying performance to form the baseline of another excellent weekend.
“I can’t wait for Monaco, it’s the standout venue on the calendar and the most enjoyable track to drive” Jolyon commented. “I’ve been quick there in the past and won my first GP2 race there in 2012. Qualifying will be crucial as overtaking is extremely difficult. It’s been a great start to the season for us and I hope to keep that up at Monaco.”
Jolyon Palmer
Be part of Motorsport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
F2 preview: Who will begin the new era on top?
Albon heads second day of Barcelona F2 test
McLaren junior Matsushita tops first day of F2 testing
The plot twist that gave Arrow McLaren’s Ward his first win as team principal
WRC looking to add F1-style team radio to TV broadcasts
Formula E’s new Gen3 Evo car breaks cover
Adrian Newey set to leave Red Bull F1 team
Why Alpine’s rigorous training camp yields telling insights into its juniors
Can F2's relaxed title favourite prove a point to Alpine?
Why F1's junior logjam isn't entirely a product of current issues
The brightest lights in F2's departing six-year warhorse
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments