Renault Sport Formula 1 Team driver Jolyon Palmer was much happier with the feel of the RS17 on the final day of pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona on Friday, managing to complete 43 laps without experiencing any issues at all.
On the previous day, the Brit had complained that he just could not get the right rhythm in the car, and a number of technical issues had curtailed his running across winter testing so far.
But Friday afternoons run out, having shared the day’s programme with team-mate Nico Hulkenberg who ran during the morning session, was a much different story for Palmer, who finished the day eighth fastest, and the 26-year-old stated that every part of the RS17 was now feeling great.
Palmer was confident the team had made some good and positive improvements on Friday, especially in terms of pace, and is now looking forward to the new season getting underway in Australia on March 24, where the Brit feels a strong performance could be on the cards for the Enstone based squad.
“The R.S.17 is awesome to drive and there is a lot of further potential yet to come. The car feels good in all the areas you’d want and it is definitely a strong improvement from the R.S.16 in every area.
“My final afternoon was promising in terms of pace and we made another step forward with a pretty much full afternoon in the car too.
“Australia is going to be really special with these cars and I am very positive for the season ahead.”
