Renault Sport Formula One Team’s Jolyon Palmer had a quiet start to this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, with low cloud precluding the medical helicopter from being able to fulfil its role during free practice, meaning track running was severely curtailed.

There was a brief period of running in FP1, during which Jolyon completed one installation lap on wet tyres and then two more on intermediates, however the red flags were soon out again. FP2 saw no running at all.

Jolyon Palmer, #30, R.S.17-01
Free practice 1: P15, No time set, 3 installation laps
Free practice 2: No running

Jolyon said: “In terms of track time, we ran faultlessly today; unfortunately, the weather circumstances meant it was only for three installation laps. It was pretty slippy-slidey out there, but I was happy with both the wet and intermediate tyres for the limited time I used them. It’s a shame for the fans and I’m hoping for everyone’s sake that the weather improves tomorrow.”

Nick Chester, Renault Sport Formula One Team Technical Director, added: “There wasn’t much learnt today due to the limited track running. It’s a shame for the fans who came here to watch, but unfortunately the medical helicopter was unable to fulfil its role, so we were prevented from running. On the plus side, there is less work to be done on the cars overnight. We’re hoping for better conditions and more track time tomorrow.”