Former Formula 1 driver turned TV commentator Jolyon Palmer got a taste of Supercars machinery on Wednesday ahead of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, taking the wheel of Anton De Pasquale’s #18 DEWALT Racing Chevrolet Camaro at Albert Park.
Palmer, who contested 35 Grands Prix for Renault in 2016 and 2017, completed several laps of the Melbourne street circuit as part of a feature being filmed for F1TV, where he now works as a commentator and analyst. The feature will air on Sunday in the build-up to the Grand Prix.
The 35-year-old also took De Pasquale for a ride during the session, experiencing the power and grip of the V8 Supercar first-hand.
“That was a huge amount of fun,” said Palmer.
“I had a run as a passenger last year and you could feel the grip and the speed, and it was really impressive. But to actually get behind the wheel is very cool, trying to slide a little bit, trying to feel the limit of grip and feeling the power the car’s got as well.
“It’s night and day different. It’s heavy, it’s got some grunt, it’s got power, braking distances are all earlier and the car is able to ride the kerbs a lot more. It’s also way more forgiving. I crashed last time I was here in Formula One, so I was trying to make sure I didn’t do the same in the last corner, but you can feel the car sliding a lot more and you can catch it. It was honestly so fun to drive.
“The whole team has been super helpful, really letting me drive the car, which is something. And Anton as well for letting me drive his car, sitting in and also giving me loads of pointers. He’s obviously driving at the top of his game now, so learning from him and getting a few pointers over those laps was quite helpful so I wasn’t starting from absolutely nothing.”
The filming also included 2010 Supercars champion James Courtney, now a Team 18 co-driver and Supercars broadcaster, who was on hand capturing content for the Supercars broadcast which will air on Sunday.
Palmer admitted the experience was a stark contrast to Formula 1 machinery, impressed by the physical nature of the Camaro.
The cameo appearance comes as Team 18 prepares for Round 2 of the Repco Supercars Championship, with De Pasquale arriving in Melbourne fresh from victory in Race 2 at Sydney Motorsport Park. Supercars action at Albert Park begins on Thursday.