Palmer aiming for top 10 hit
JOLYON PALMER is on a mission to crack the top 10 for the first time in his career at the German Grand Prix.
The British rookie driver was set to open his points-scoring account before his costly spin last time out at the Hungaroring.
Palmer slipped from 10th place with only 21 laps remaining before failing to make up the deficit and finished 12th.
All eyes on Sunday will be on championship leader Lewis Hamilton, who ® from JAMES MURRAY arrives in Germany holding a six-point lead over his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.
But ahead of the final race before the summer break, Palmer hopes to make amends.
“It was frustrating and on Sunday evening I was very disappointed, but the reaction of the team was very good,” said Palmer.
“Sure, I made a mistake which was quite costly because I was in a top-10 position. But I finished 12th which is my second-best result and I still finished ahead of my team-mate.
“Budapest should carry over here, so we should be positive and have another crack at the top 10.”
Palmer, 25, will be replaced by French reserve driver Esteban Ocon in today’s opening practice.
Formula One bosses have voted against introducing the ‘halo’ head protection system for drivers next season.
But the device could be introduced for the 2018 season after further tests.