Lotus announce Jolyon Palmer as Third Driver for 2015

GP2 champion Jolyon Palmer has been signed by Lotus as its third driver for the 2015 season, with the Briton likely to get a number of Friday practice  opportunities according to the team. Palmer will also fulfil the role of reserve driver.

“Jolyon is a fantastic talent and a very credible driver to fulfil the role of Third Driver," said Lotus Team Principal Gerard Lopez. "Romain and Pastor are both GP2 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.”

Palmer, who won the 2014 GP2 title in record-breaking fashion, with the greatest amount of points scored in a season (276) and the most consecutive points finishes (19) added: “I'm delighted to be moving into F1 with Lotus 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 is a great opportunity for me, particularly with Mercedes engines now," he added.

"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."