Sussex driver Palmer joins Lotus Formula One team

Palmer, son of former F1 driver Jonathan who made 83 starts between 1983 and 1989 for Williams, RAM, Zakspeed and Tyrrell, won last year's GP2 crown with a record haul of 276 points.

The 24-year-old from Southwater went on to drive for Force India in the final test in Abu Dhabi that followed a few days after the year-ending grand prix at the Yas Marina circuit.

For a time it appeared as if Palmer would claim the reserve role with the Silverstone-based marque - but he has instead been signed up by Lotus.

Crucially for Palmer's development he is to be given a number of outings during first practice sessions at grands prix throughout the season.

Palmer, who joins fellow GP2 champions Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado at Lotus, said: ''I'm delighted to be moving into F1 with Lotus this year as third driver, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity they have given me.

''My goal has been to become a race driver in a competitive F1 team for 2016 and Lotus is a great opportunity for me, particularly with Mercedes engines now.

''To be able to learn with a major F1 team by working closely with them in every area and getting a lot of mileage in the car is the best way possible, as Valtteri Bottas proved.

''I am delighted to be joining Lotus at such an exciting time, and my objective is to earn a long-term future with them.''

Highlighting the reasons behind his appointment, Lotus chairman and team principal Gerard Lopez said: ''Jolyon is a fantastic talent and a very credible driver to fulfil the role of third driver at Lotus.

''Romain and Pastor are both GP2 series champions so we know what a fantastic proving ground GP2 provides.

''For Jolyon to have enjoyed such a successful season as he took his title last year shows his superb potential for the future.

''We are looking forward to seeing him in team colours and behind the wheel of our 2015 car, which represents an exciting new era for Lotus.''