Reigning GP2 champion Jolyon Palmer has joined Lotus as its third and reserve driver.

Palmer will attend all Grands Prix and Formula 1 tests throughout 2015 for Lotus, including driving in a significant number of Free Practice 1 sessions, as well as contributing to the car’s testing and development during the season. He will also fulfil the role of Reserve Driver.

Palmer is the first British driver to win the GP2 Series since two-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. He won the 2014 GP2 title in record-breaking fashion, with the greatest amount of points scored in a season (276) and the most consecutive points finishes (19). Lotus' two race drivers, Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado, are both also former GP2 Champions.

"Jolyon is a fantastic talent and a very credible driver to fulfil the role of Third Driver at Lotus," said Gerard Lopez, Chairman and Team Principal. "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, the E23 Hybrid, which represents an exciting new era for Lotus F1 Team."

"I'm delighted to be moving into F1 with Lotus this year and I'm very grateful for the opportunity they have given me," added Palmer. "My goal has been to become a race driver in a competitive F1 team for 2016 and Lotus F1 Team 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 F1 Team at such an exciting time and my objective is to earn a long term future with them."