Palmer: Harder to make an impression

Jolyon Palmer concedes it has been harder to showcase his talents in his debut F1 campaign given his under-performing Renault RS16.

Palmer is one of five of drivers yet to score a single point this season with his best result being his season-opening P11 at the Australian Grand Prix.

This has cast doubt on the Brit’s future with Renault, and in Formula 1, as he has yet to secure a contract for next season.

And Palmer admits his disappointing results are not helping the situation.

“It is harder in a car that normally can’t make it out of Q1,” he told Motorsport.com. “And certainly is very, very [difficult] fighting for points.

“It’s a shame because I feel sometimes I do a really, really good race and no one knows, because your race is outside of top 10. It can be even down to 15th if there is a lot of people in the race so…

“It’s understandable, but it’s just harder to make an impression.

“If we were in the top 10 doing this then I think a lot of times people would say ‘Wow that’s a great move’ or ‘What a great race’. But it’s just how it goes.”

He added: “I think it’s easier to impress the team you’re driving for, because they are analysing all of your data, they are looking your race through the microscope, so if you’re doing something well, they will see it.

“The other teams won’t see that so much, they will see a result. I’ve got a team-mate, who is well rated. If I can do well against him then I think more what other teams will see really.”

The 2014 GP2 Champion has not given up on retaining his seat, adamant that a strong showing in the coming races will secure him a second year at Renault.

“There’s been no decision yet. I’m in contention for the seat. So if I go out and do a good job this weekend and next weekend for as long there is no decision made then if I can prove why I should be in I’m sure I’ll be in.

“So I know I can do it. It’s just about piecing everything together, making no mistakes. And showing them what I can do. And I got every chance.”