Palmer looking to extend GP2 championship lead in Austria

Runaway GP2 Championship leader Jolyon Palmer is determined to continue his front-running form this weekend (June 20 to 22) as the series resumes at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
Jolyon Palmer is in confident mood as the racing resumes. Below after his Monaco winJolyon Palmer is in confident mood as the racing resumes. Below after his Monaco win
Jolyon Palmer is in confident mood as the racing resumes. Below after his Monaco win

The 23-year-old from Southwater leads the F1 feeder series standings by 46 points after securing his second victory of the season last time out on the legendary streets of Monte Carlo.

This was his fifth podium finish from the opening five races.

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Palmer’s Monte Carlo win and a strong seventh-place finish in the reverse grid second race the following day more than doubled his championship points advantage by the end of the weekend.

Jolyon Palmer in MonacoJolyon Palmer in Monaco
Jolyon Palmer in Monaco

He has 103 points after just six races, with nearest challenger, Felipe Nasr on 57.

The DAMS driver had already savoured victory at the opening rounds of the season in Bahrain, and has also claimed two pole positions and four race fastest laps.

The Red Bull Ring is a new challenge for most of the GP2 drivers, with the venue last used for top-line motorsport in 2003.

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Originally built as the Österreichring, the venue hosted F1 from 1970 to 1987. Renovated in 1996 and re-named the A1 Ring, the circuit once more hosted F1 races from 1997 to 2003.

Jolyon is excited to get back into action at a new venue, and expects to further extend his championship lead. He said: “I’m looking forward to a new challenge in Austria, a track many of us haven’t raced on before.

“It’s one of those rare circuits where some rookies could have an advantage with track knowledge, but I’m confident we can pick up where we left off in Monaco and be fighting at the sharp end again.”