The Renault Formula 1 team has announced that Jolyon Palmer has been retained for the 2017 season alongside Nico Hulkenberg.
Palmer won the GP2 title in 2014, after four seasons in the category, and spent 2015 as the Enstone-based outfit’s reserve driver when it was run under the Lotus name.
Renault took over Lotus at the end of the year, with Palmer being promoted to a race seat, but it has been a tough season for the team.
The British racer had a difficult start to his rookie year but has improved throughout, picking up his first point in F1 at the Malaysian Grand Prix with 10th place.
He’s now been signed for a second season in F1 alongside the previously-confirmed Hulkenberg, who moves across from Force India.
Palmer’s 2016 Renault team-mate Kevin Magnussen is being reported by several outlets to be switching over to Haas F1 for next season.
“I’m over the moon to be racing with Renault Sport Formula 1 Team for a second season and I can’t wait to reward the team’s faith in me on track,” Palmer said.
“Having worked out of Enstone since 2015 I can fully appreciate the development of the infrastructure this year.
“This means I share the excitement of the team looking to 2017 and our new car. For me, it’s been a steep learning curve driving in Formula 1 and I know that I am performing better than ever, and that there’s still more to come.
“There is tremendous drive and enthusiasm in Enstone and Viry looking to next year and I am honoured to be part of this.”
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