Jolyon Palmer's preparations for the forthcoming GP2 season continue strongly as he confirmed his speed with an excellent second place, just three-tenths off the pace of Ferrari-backed driver Jules Bianchi in the morning session of testing at the Silverstone Arena GP circuit.

The day started with a soaked track and Jolyon was able to sample the new Pirelli wet weather tyres for the first time, which he found very useful. Running in the top ten all morning, the Arden International driver performed strongly in the wet conditions.

However, the track started to dry and with everyone keen to get a good time, Jolyon posted a fast lap at the end of the session to cement his standing in the field. The varying conditions meant that he ran just over a third of the pace-setter's total number of laps.

"I felt that I made a mistake in my fastest lap, so I could have been heading the timesheets, which is very encouraging for the season", said Jolyon, delighted at his performance.

The GP2 series will visit the Silverstone Arena GP circuit in July, as part of the British Grand Prix meeting.

Silverstone GP2 morning session times:

1, Jules Bianchi, FRA, Lotus ART, 1:55:769s
2, Jolyon Palmer, GBR, Arden International, +0.377s
3, Esteban Gutierrez, MEX, Lotus ART, +0.467s
4, Charles Pic, FRA, Barwa Addax Team, +0.475s
5, Giedo van der Garde, NED, Barwa Addax Team, +0.727s
6, Max Chilton, GBR, Carlin, +1.072s
7, Luiz Razia, BRA, Team AirAsia, +1.258s
8, Johnny Cecotto, VEN, Ocean Racing Technology, +1.501s
9, Dani Clos, ESP, Racing Engineering, +1.527s
10, Fairuz Fauzy, MAS, Super Nova Racing, +1.683s