British driver Jolyon Palmer finished a frustrating 22nd on his first ever visit to the Hungaroring during today's (Saturday) GP2 Feature Race.

Racing on a circuit notoriously difficult for overtaking, the 20-year-old battled hard throughout the 38-lap race but his early pit-stop strategy, together with high tyre degradation in the latter stages, meant he was unable to challenge for a top 10 result.

After starting from P20 on the grid, Jolyon ran well during the opening stages before finding himself chasing down Davide Valsecchi ahead. With the Hungaroring's slow, narrow track offering very few passing opportunities, the rookie opted to get his compulsory pit-stop out of the way early on, coming in for fresh Pirelli tyres on lap 10.

Jolyon, who was runner-up in the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship, then rejoined the 4.381km track towards the back of the pack but was frustratingly unable to climb through the field during the pit-stop shake-up.

As the race went on, the circuit's heavy braking and low speed corners caused Jolyon's tyres to fade forcing him to pit again. However, confusion during the second pit stop cost him time and despite pushing hard for the remaining few laps, the Arden International driver was forced to settle for 22nd.

"It was a tough race," said Jolyon afterwards. "We pitted early and then struggled with a lot of tyre wear. In the end I had to pit for a second time and confusion in the stop cost us a lot of time. Tomorrow will be difficult now but I will try to manage the tyres better and see where we get to."

Romain Grosjean came through to take the chequered flag with Charles Pic and Luiz Razia crossing the line second and third respectively.

Jolyon returns tomorrow morning (Sunday) for the GP2 Sprint Race at 10:30 (local time).

Hungaroring, GP2 Feature Race results:

1. R Grosjean, DAMS, 38 laps
2. C Pic, Addax, +2.641s
3. L Razia, AirAsia, +8.107s
4. G VD Garde, Addax, +15.161s
5. M Ericsson, iSport, +18.864s
6. L Filippi, Scuderia, +21.636s
7. J Bianchi, ART, +24.891s
8. C Vietoris, Racing, +35.059s
9. J Kral, Arden, +43.516s
22. J Palmer, Arden, +1 lap