Palmer downplays Ocon rumours

Jolyon Palmer has rubbished speculation that he could lose his Renault race-seat to test driver Esteban Ocon.

With Palmer yet to score a point and Ocon set to take his seat for Friday’s first practice in Spain, there has been some speculation about the Brit’s future.

According to rumours, the Brit’s place at Renault is already under threat with Ocon leading the charge to replace him.

Palmer, though, insists he is not letting it get to him as there is no truth to the rumours

“I don’t know where that rumour came from, to be honest,” he told Motorsport.com. “It doesn’t faze me.

“I saw already after Bahrain that someone said something – I had one race in Melbourne that was quite good and I didn’t even race in Bahrain. Whatever.

“I’ve only had four races and it’s been mixed results, but I think I’m looking forward to the future.”

He added: “It’s what I’ve come to expect, really. It’s Formula 1. I’ve seen it from the outside and now I’ve seen it from the inside.

“Honestly, I was a bit surprised after Bahrain… but, yeah, China obviously was a very tough weekend.

“But I don’t really care, ultimately. I know where I stand, in the team everyone knows where we stand.”