JOLYON Palmer believes he had a stronger showing at the Japanese Grand Prix despite not building on his points-scoring finish from Malaysia.

The British driver came home 12th in his Enstone-based Renault at Suzuka, with teammate Kevin Magnussen 14th.

After scoring his first point in Formula 1 at the previous round, Palmer was upbeat despite finishing outside the top ten.

He said: “I think this was actually a stronger performance.

“We beat everyone that we could.

“I’m pleased with how we went, the strategy, pace, performance – everything was good.”

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg won the race, extending his championship lead to 33 points.

The next round is at the Circuit of the Americas, in Austin, Texas, on October 23.