Jolyon Palmer claimed an impressive ninth place in today's opening GP2 race, equalling his best ever result. The 20-year-old Brit was able to move through the field on the opening lap, capitalising on two first lap incidents to move from his 17th place grid slot to finish the first lap in 11th place.

The 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship runner-up ran as high as fourth during the pit stop phase, and with Jolyon among the last to pit on lap 14, it ensured his tyres were fresher than the other runners in the latter stages of the race.

The move paid off, and Jolyon was able to pass Max Chilton and Rodolfo Gonzalez in consecutive laps moving him up to tenth place on laps 24 and 25. He then set about chasing down team mate Josef Kral, and was lapping eight-tenths of a second quicker than the Czech driver at times.  Michael Herck then began suffering from tyre degradation and Jolyon moved past him on lap 29 to move up into ninth place while still chasing down Kral.

Ultimately there weren't quite enough laps for Jolyon to progress further, and he finished just 2.5 seconds behind Kral at the chequered flag. Kral will take advantage of the race two reverse grid to start on pole, while Jolyon will start ninth.

Speaking after the race Jolyon said: "That was a good race, I had a great start and moved up to 11th by the end of the first lap. I suffered a lot of tyre degradation in the first stint and lost time to those around me. After the pit stop I came out a few places further down but I managed to push very hard and made some good passes to finish ninth, just outside the points but at least it is a good starting position for tomorrow."

Jolyon is next on track tomorrow (Sunday) for the GP2 Sprint Race at 09:35 (UK time).

Valencia, Race One results:

1. R Grosjean, DAMS, 30 laps
2. G Van Der Garde, Addax, +15.481s
3. D Valsecchi, AirAsia, +20.901s
4. D Clos, Racing, +24.010s
5. S Bird, iSport, +24.323s
6. L Razia, AirAsia, +24.495s
7. E Gutierrez, ART, +48.097s
8. J Kral, Arden, +51.064s
9. J Palmer, Arden, +53.632s
10. M Herck, Scuderia +57.032s