Palmer: 2017 cars will be ‘a great spectacle’

Regulation changes for next season are set to make Formula One cars noticeably faster - and Renault’s Jolyon Palmer is convinced that both fans and drivers will benefit.

“I’ve driven it on the sim and it’s quick,” Palmer said of his team’s 2017 machine, which like its rivals, will not be fully tested on track until early next year.

“Of course, the new rules are the same for everyone, and we won’t know how we stack-up against our rivals until we hit the track in Barcelona, but the speeds are higher, the car is more challenging to drive and I think it’s going to be a great spectacle when we race.”

The extra speed of the revised cars will come primarily from wider tyres and increased downforce - changes which Palmer says will not only make them faster, but also more visually appealing.

“I’ve seen the wind tunnel model and it looks awesome!” said the Briton, who will complete his rookie F1 season in Abu Dhabi next weekend. “It’s going to be a great looking car.”

Palmer will share the 2017 Renault with new team mate Nico Hulkenberg, who replaces the Haas-bound Kevin Magnussen, and the former GP2 champion says he is excited at the prospect of partnering such an experienced driver.

“I haven’t had the opportunity to get to know Nico yet so I’m looking forward to this happening,” he added. “Everything I’ve heard about him has been positive and I have faith in the team to have chosen the right drivers for next year and beyond.”

Palmer heads into the season finale at Yas Marina 18th in the driver standings, his sole point to date having come via his 10th-place finish in Malaysia last month.