Palmer confirmed as 2016 Lotus race driver

Lotus F1 Team have confirmed that the 2014 GP2 champion, and the team's current test driver, Jolyon Palmer will race for the team during the 2016 F1 season, alongside Pastor Maldonado.

Palmer has already completed several first free practice sessions this season with the team, but with Grosjean moving to Haas next year, Palmer appeared to be the logical choice for the team.

Palmer himself was obviously delighted with the announcement.

"It feels pretty unbelievable!", he said.

"It’s been such a long journey and I’m so glad to have been confirmed as a race driver with the team next year. A lot of hard work has gone into preparing for this to happen and into proving what I’m capable of delivering. I’m very grateful to everyone who has so far helped me at the team; I’m now looking forward to 2016 and to build on the experience that I already have."

He admitted to fears regarding the future of his career, given that it has become more and more difficult for lower category champions to move into Formula One without a considerable money package.

"Getting into Formula 1 has never been harder. When I won GP2 in 2014 I felt that I was ready to move up back then so it feels like it has been a long time coming. At the same time, this year has been very good. I have enjoyed working with the team and ultimately it has given me the chance to prove what I’m capable of. I’m absolutely ready for it now!

"I have learnt a huge amount with the team this year. It has opened my eyes to the world of Formula 1. GP2 is high level, the drivers are good and the car is very solid but F1 is another level. The technology involved is immense and so advanced, there is a lot to get your head around. Also, working with so many engineers and the team as a whole is a completely different experience to GP2. I’m now better prepared than ever."

The news also appears to indicate that Lotus has stopped waiting for a Renault buyout for next season, as a driver decision may otherwise well have been something that Renault wanted to have a say in.