Renault Sport Formula One Team driver Jolyon Palmer ended a very hot opening day of the 2016 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix in 12th position on the timesheets.
It was a productive day for the young British F1 rookie, who completed his programme as scheduled and showed promising pace on Pirelli’s soft, medium and hard-compound tyres.
Jolyon said: “That was a pretty straightforward day on my side of the garage; I think all the action was on Kev [Magnussen – team-mate]’s side! We did have a few moments pushing the limits as we learnt the new track surface in the morning, but the circuit is still very rewarding to drive. We made decent progress in the afternoon session and should be well-placed for further improvement tomorrow.”
Nick Chester, Renault Sport Formula One Team Technical Director added: “Jolyon had two clean sessions and was happy with his car balance in the afternoon. We now have some good information to progress set-up and tyre performance on the new track surface here at Sepang.”
Jolyon Palmer, #30, R.S.16-05
Free practice 1: P19, 1:39.148, 23 laps
Free practice 2: P12, 1:36.940, 36 laps
That was a pretty straightforward day; we made decent progress in the afternoon session and should be well-placed for further improvement tomorrow. Jolyon Palmer, Renault Sport Formula One Team Driver