Jolyon Palmer was denied a likely top 10 finish in the second GP2 race at Valencia today (Sunday), after having to take evasive action of a first lap incident before later being forced to retire.

The 20-year-old Brit started ninth after yesterday's excellent result, but had to steer away from a collision on the first lap between Romain Grosjean, Rodolfo Gonzalez and Charles Pic, resulting in the young Briton losing several places before pitting to repair damage.

The 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship runner-up resumed in 22nd place, as the field assembled behind the safety car. Upon resumption of racing Jolyon immediately set about lapping faster than his rivals and quickly moved up to 20^th place.

He then set about closing down the gap to Luca Filippi ahead of him, and was lapping at times over half-a-second a lap quicker than the experienced Italian driver.

Jolyon, son of former Formula One driver Jonathan, then made another pit stop on lap 14, and was forced to retire with a gearbox problem, just as his team mate Josef Kral spun off and also retired, ending what was set to be a promising weekend for Jolyon on his maiden visit to the Spanish street circuit.

Speaking after the race, Jolyon said: "I got involved in a tangle with Grosjean into turn four which damaged the front wing so I had to pit for repairs. After this I caught the back of the pack up and was setting some decent times but then I had a gearbox problem forcing me to retire. A disappointing end to a decent weekend. The next round is Silverstone, a track I know well so I hope to be back at the sharp end."

Jolyon will next be in action on 8-10 July for his home race when the 2011 GP2 series travels to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix.

Valencia Race Two result:

1. E. Gutierrez, ART, 23 Laps
2. L.Razia, AirAsia, +12.995s
3. G. Van Der Garde, Addax, +13.842s
4. D. Valsecchi, AirAsia, +26.633s
5. D. Clos, Racing, +30.130s
6. M. Herck, Scuderia, +30.374s
7. J. Bianchi, ART, +34.651s
8. K. Mirocha, Ocean, +34.677s
9. J. Leal, Rapax, +36.728s
- J. Palmer, Arden, +9 Laps