Jolyon Palmer says he is determined to claim a place on the Formula 1 grid next year after being given the perfect opportunity by Lotus to prove himself.

For the first time the Enstone-based team are providing their test and reserve driver with a number of outings in Friday’s first practice sessions ahead of grand prix weekends.

Every Friday Palmer, 24, will be behind the wheel - as was the case in China and again in Bahrain last week – his plan will be similar to that of whoever he replaces.

In China, Palmer was only 0.6secs behind Pastor Maldonado at the end of FP1, a tremendous effort given it was Palmer’s first major outing at an F1 event.

If Palmer can push or even on occasion better the times of Maldonado and teammate Romain Grosjean, doors may open.

“I want to be really pushing the race drivers,” said Palmer.

“I’m pretty much running on the same run-plan as those guys and I want to show why I should be racing next year.”

Unfortunately for last year’s GP2 champion, his lack of competitive work outside his Lotus duties may prove a hindrance.

He knows he has to sacrifice it to keep his F1 dream alive.

“I want to race, but only if I get the right offer,” added Palmer. “If I get a good offer to do something that would be a good career move for me.”

The championship resumes with the Spanish Grand Prix on May 8-10.

l JORDAN Albert will look to continue his success in the BRDC Formula 4 championship at Rockingham this weekend.

Jordan, from the Sean Walkinshaw Racing team, recorded a victory, an eighth and a 16-placed finish in the opening three rounds at Oulton Park on the Easter weekend.

Teammate Zubair Hoque came home eighth, 14th and 15th.

Standings: 1 W Palmer 74pts, 2 C Mealin 69, 3 T Jackson 58, 4 H Newey 56, 5= J Bartholomew, C Haggerty 54, 7 R Fonseca 49, 8 J Albert 43. 13 Z Hoque 26.