Palmer and Lynn aim for a third driver position for 2015

Jolyon Palmer clinched the GP2 Series championship title this year with the DAMS team, and he had the opportunity to drive with the Sahara Force India team on Tuesday during the private tests in Abu Dhabi.

The Briton completed 37 laps, finishing in 4th place despite some engine issues. But he was thrilled with the experience: « I really enjoyed my first experience behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car. I’ve always had the ambition to drive a Formula 1 car: it was surreal when I first left the pits, but after that initial moment, I was fully focused on the work to be done for the team and doing my best. »

Palmer would like to take on a role as a reserve driver within the Indian team and thus follow the examples of Nico Hülkenberg, Paul di Resta, and Jules Bianchi in recent years: Force India is a team that gives good opportunities to young drivers and I would like to secure a role with them. They have helped Paul di Resta, created a significant FP1 program for Jules Bianchi, and generally, they do a good job with their reserve drivers.

Another driver who drove in Abu Dhabi and would like a reserve role for the year 2015 is Alex Lynn, a member of the Red Bull junior driver program who drove with Lotus F1 on Wednesday.

The young Briton is often cited as a contender for the second Toro Rosso seat alongside Max Verstappen, but the appointment of Carlos Sainz Jr. seems increasingly likely, especially following the announcement of Vergne’s departure from Toro Rosso. Lynn should therefore settle for a role as a third driver, acknowledging that his chances were becoming increasingly slim.

« I think they [Red Bull] will always try to help me – Dr. Marko and I have a good relationship. There is no doubt in my mind about what he thinks of my abilities, it’s like many other things in life, the cards have to fall at the right time. And it seems my cards aren’t falling at the right time for Toro Rosso, » explains Lynn, as quoted by Autosport.

If no opportunity is possible for him at Red Bull or Toro Rosso, he might be ready to look elsewhere – in some teams where reserve positions are available like Williams, Force India, or even Sauber F1: « But there might be a perfect opportunity elsewhere. That’s what we’re working on. I think there are several good opportunities that could arise, and I sincerely believe that within two or three weeks at most, I will know if I have a chance to have more opportunities aboard a Formula 1 car next year. »

He also wanted to thank Lotus for the opportunity to test the E22: « The first stints put a big smile on my face. If I receive good feedback from them, I acknowledge that it’s just as important as being first. It’s nice to be the fastest, but at the end of the day, it’s mostly about trying to get into F1. »