Palmer admits making an impression tough amid Renault struggles

The Briton, the 2014 GP2 champion, joined the French marque for his debut season this year, after Renault took over from the Lotus team, where Palmer was a reserve driver in 2015.

But Renault's season has been much harder than expected, and the team has struggled at the back of the field.

Palmer is yet to score a point and his best result is an 11th place in the season-opening race in Australia. He hasn't finished higher than 12th since then.

"It is harder in a car that normally can't make it out of Q1," Palmer told Motorsport.com. "And certainly is very, very [difficult] fighting for points.

"It's a shame because I feel sometimes I do a really, really good race and no one knows, because your race is outside of top 10. It can be even down to 15th if there is a lot of people in the race so…

"It's understandable, but it's just harder to make an impression.

"If we were in the top 10 doing this then I think a lot of times people would say 'Wow that's a great move' or 'What a great race'. But it's just how it goes."

Palmer's future with Renault is still up in the air, as the team continues to consider its options for 2017.

The Briton admits that, given Renault's current situation, the best he can do is impress the French squad, as he concedes it will be hard for other teams to notice him.

"I think it's easier to impress the team you're driving for, because they are analysing all of your data, they are looking your race through the microscope, so if you're doing something well, they will see it," he said.

"The other teams won't see that so much, they will see a result. I've got a team mate, who is well rated. If I can do well against him then I think more what other teams will see really."

Palmer insists he has "every chance" of staying on at Renault if he performs strongly.

"There's been no decision yet. I'm in contention for the seat. So if I go out and do a good job this weekend and next weekend for as long there is no decision made then if I can prove why I should be in I'm sure I'll be in.

"So I know I can do it. It's just about piecing everything together, making no mistakes. And showing them what I can do. And I got every chance."

Interview by Oleg Karpov