Jolyon Palmer will get his third outing of the season when he drives the Lotus E23 in FP1 this weekend.

The 24-year old will also get behind the wheel on day two of the opening in-season test at the Barcelona circuit the following week (13 May) as part of his role as third and reserve driver for the Enstone-based squad.

The reigning GP2 champion impressed in his two Free Practice outings so far this season, in China and Bahrain respectively, performing strongly alongside Pastor Maldonado. He finished just 0.441s behind the experienced Venezuelan at the Bahrain International Circuit, ending the 90-minute session in 14th position.

Palmer has already sampled F1 machinery at the Barcelona circuit, having driven on the second of four days at the pre-season test in February, focusing on development work and running through a programme of tyre and aero assessments. The Briton recorded a best lap-time of 1:26.128, to end eighth fastest on the day.

"I am really pleased to be back in the car for Barcelona," said Palmer. "It is nice to be back at the track, having already driven the car there in the official pre-season test back in February. After a three-week gap since Bahrain, I'm already looking forward to starting the weekend."