Jolyon Palmer concluded his preparations for his inaugural GP2 season with a solid performance in the final session of official pre-season testing today (Wednesday) in Barcelona.

The British driver finished 20th during the afternoon session on the second of two days of testing at Spain's Circuit de Catalunya - the venue for rounds three and four of the Formula One feeder-series on 20 - 22 May.

After finishing the morning session on day two in 19th position, the 20-year-old Arden International driver used the final session to conduct long race runs in readiness for the opening rounds of the season in Turkey in three weeks' time.

"It's been a productive afternoon," said the West Sussex racer, who finished runner-up in the FIA Formula Two Championship last year. "I managed to get a few long runs in as well as put in some practice starts. The long runs went well and we made good progress with the set-up of the car. Nearly all of the drivers used new tyres so the times aren't comparable; however, amongst the people on long runs I think the pace we had was good."

Jolyon also impressed during yesterday's (Tuesday) test sessions, hitting the pace right from the start by going seventh quickest in the morning session. A consistent performance in the afternoon session then saw him secure 15th fastest and end the first day ninth quickest overall.

Barcelona GP2 test day two - afternoon session times:

1. Davide Valsecchi, Team AirAsia 1:30.316s
2. Davide Rigon, Scuderia Coloni, 1:30.591s
3. Jules Bianchi, Lotus ART, 1:30.675s
4. Marcus Ericsson, 1:30.810s
5. Luiz Razia, Team AirAsia, 1:31.179s
6. Esteban Gutierrez, Lotus ART, 1:31.184s
7. Fabio Leimer, Rapax, 1:31.243s
8. Julian Leal, Rapax, 1:31.254s
9. Kevin Mirocha, Ocean Racing Technology, 1:31.486s
20. Jolyon Palmer, Arden International, 1:33.905s

The opening rounds of the 2011 GP2 season begin in Turkey on 6 - 8 May. Be sure to keep up to date with Jolyon's progress via his official website and Facebook pages.