Interview with Comma-sponsored 2014 GP2 Drivers Champion Jolyon Palmer

28/10/2014

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Following his championship winning weekend in Sochi, we put some questions to Jolyon to reflect on his achievement.

You have won 4 races already this year and scored points in every race, do you think you can finish the season with a win in Abu Dhabi and maintain your unbroken run?
Sadly I haven't scored points in every race anymore because in the last one I was hit at turn 1 and dropped to the back, recovering to 10th. These things happen which is why it is so difficult to have an unbroken run throughout a championship. I'm really pleased with my 4 wins though and I'm confident of adding a 5th in Abu Dhabi where I nearly won last year and topped pre season testing this year.

At what point did you consider that the championship win was within your grasp?
I always thought I had a good chance of winning it this season but of course at the start of a year you never know what will happen. We started it with pole and a win in Bahrain which put us on the right foot and put it within my grasp. Then after the summer break heading to Spa with a good points lead I realised it was mine to lose.

What was your most memorable moment in the 2014 season?
I have a few great moments that stand out from this year. Firstly winning at Monaco which was really special and we were in a class of our own all weekend. Also I had memorable races in Monza coming from the back of the grid on the feature race to win the sprint the following day and also in Budapest having a lot of exciting wheel to wheel action.

Were you surprised to secure the championship title after the feature race in Russia?
Yes because after missing out on pole the day before it was looking very unlikely. I was extremely frustrated to miss pole because I should have had it but caught traffic in the last two corners and it's worth 4 points in GP2. From there the feature race went perfectly though and I won it with Nasr having a lot of difficulties which meant he was out of the points.

What do you think have been the main differences to 2013. The team? Your approach? Strategy?
I'm really enjoying working with DAMS. They are extremely professional and the way we are working gives me confidence to attack and get the maximum out of the car. My approach hasn't really changed for this year – It's pretty simple, I'm enjoying my racing and just trying to get the best result possible. I was one of the strongest at the end of last year so I've just built on that in 2014.

How are you planning to celebrate the championship win?
Firstly I'm planning to celebrate by signing an F1 contract to race next year! Then I'm planning on bowing out of GP2 with another win in Abu Dhabi which will be my last race in the series. Finally after that I expect I will have some celebrations at the end of the year with my friends and family and really relax and enjoy the success of 2014. It's been a lot of hard work this year which will make the celebrations even sweeter.

Comma is your main sponsor. What does this support mean to you?
It's great to have a company like Comma behind me. Comma has supported me for a long time now, since 2007, and have been very important in my whole racing career. Racing is becoming an increasingly commercial world so to have the backing of Comma is crucial and I'm extremely grateful for it.

Your 'overtaking' ability in GP2 is well acknowledged, what is your opinion of the use of DRS in Formula 1 and soon GP2?
I hate DRS. In my opinion it's the single biggest thing that is taking away from the enjoyment of F1 right now. There are more overtakes because of it definitely but they are now all on the straights and no one dares making a move in a corner because there is no point. Overtakes on the straights simply aren't what people want to see because there is no skill involved, just pressing a button to make the car behind go faster than the car ahead. My personal opinion is that GP2 is some of the best, most exciting racing in the world and I fear with DRS for next year it won't be as good.

Outside of Formula 1, do you follow any other forms of motorsport?
I follow most kinds of motorsport. I follow single seaters closely because that is what I'm doing and also my brother races in Formula 4 so I have an interest in junior single seaters also. I follow BTCC because I have friends doing it and it's always good to watch. I like Moto GP as well although this year I haven't watched it as much because you can be pretty certain who will win!

What could you suggest to distributors and motor factors, from your professional point of view, as to what is the best way they could convince car mechanics to use Comma products?
Comma lubricants are produced in accordance with tough European industry standards and are proven to perform in motorsport – the ultimate test! This means a mechanic can have complete confidence in fitting Comma lubricants to your road car.