Jolyon Palmer heads into this weekend’s Russian rounds of the GP2 Series on the verge of taking the championship.
The DAMS driver currently has a 41-point lead in the standings over Felipe Nasr, and if he leaves Sochi with more than a 48-point advantage, he will become the tenth champion of GP2.
It has been a remarkably consistent season for Palmer, who is in his fourth full season of GP2. He has won three times and finished on the podium a further seven times, and has not finished any race lower than eighth.
He won the Sprint race at Monza last time out having started the Feature race the previous day from the back of the grid after a fuel irregularity during qualifying.
Palmer is looking forward to the series’ first visit to Russia and the Sochi track this weekend, around the site of this years’ Winter Olympics.
“I’m looking forward to my first trip to Russia and driving a new track in Sochi,” said Palmer. “The track will be new for everyone so getting up to speed will be important in the free practice session. At the moment I don’t know what to expect so I’m looking forward to getting out there to find out!”
Main rival Nasr on the other hand has seen his title challenge stutter, and despite the Brazilian taking four wins this season, more than anybody else, the Carlin driver has retired twice.
Stoffel Vandoorne still has an outside shot at the title for ART Grand Prix, but is 67 points adrift with 96 still available, and virtually needs two perfect weekend’s and for Palmer’s consistent run to end to have a chance.