Renault’s Jolyon Palmer says his post-summer break improvement in form 12 months ago can act as inspiration as he bids to kick on across the second half of 2017.
Palmer struggled across the first half of 2016, amid a litany of Q1 exits and incidents, but made progress after the summer break, and scored his maiden point in Malaysia.
However, Palmer has endured a troubled second campaign in the sport, and has so far failed to out-qualify team-mate Nico Hülkenberg, having yet to score a point, while the German has amassed 26, courtesy of five top 10 finishes.
Palmer, though, is hopeful that he can match last season’s upturn in form and contribute to Renault’s total.
“Last year I had a much better second half to the year than the first half – clearly I need to do the same,” he said.
“I know I can do it. I’m just trying to dig in now, really push on and start putting some results together.
“I did it last year, I can do it again this year – I think the car is in a better place now. I’ve just got to do it on track.”
Palmer’s future in the sport is unclear, with several candidates – including Robert Kubica – understood to be in the frame for 2018.
Palmer, though, insists he is not even considering his 2018 plans.
“Honestly, I’m not even thinking about next year, I’m just focused on this year still – we’ve just gone half way through the season,” he said.
“There are nine races to go, I’m focused on toing the best I can in each one of them.
“I’m in the same position as I was last year; last year was the same, I was here and not thinking about the next year, just thinking about doing good races, I did good races and then it all unfolded the right way.
“I’m just focused on doing nine strong races now.”
