Jolyon Palmer has been handed his Formula 1 break with his appointment of Lotus’ reserve driver for the forthcoming season.

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 Horsham, 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.

Palmer, who joins fellow GP2 champions Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado at the Enstone-based team, 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 , 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 for his appointment, Lotus chairman and team principal Gerard Lopez added: “Jolyon is a fantastic talent and a very credible driver to fulfil the role of Third Driver at Lotus F1 Team.

"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 potential.

“We are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of our 2015 car, the E23 Hybrid, which represents an exciting new era for Lotus.”