Jolyon Palmer produced a determined drive to finish 19th in this morning's (Sunday) Sprint Race in Monza, ending a frustrating final weekend of the GP2 season for the rookie.

Working his way from the back of the field after innocently being caught up in a collision caused by Michael Herck yesterday, the 20-year-old still gained an impressive seven places during the 21-lap race to round off a weekend that had looked certain to hand him his maiden points finish.

The final race of the season got underway in glorious sunshine with Jolyon lining up once more alongside his team-mate Josef Kral. From the back of the pack, the young Brit put in a superb opening few laps to move his way into 19th position and demonstrate good pace in his Arden International car.

Jolyon then had an off through Lesmo 2 whilst battling with Davide Valsecchi which cost him time but managed to maintain his consistent pace - as he has done all weekend.

The Southwater racer pushed hard right until the end but was unable to better his position, frustratingly forcing him to settle for P19 and ending a promising weekend, especially after securing his best ever qualifying result on Friday.

Speaking afterwards Jolyon said: "I made up a few places on the first couple of laps, then had an off through the gravel at Lesmo 2 whilst trying to keep Valsecchi behind me. From then on it was a long race just trying to catch the group in front."

Racing Engineering's Christian Vietoris secured the overall honours with Fabio Leimer finishing second and Jules Bianchi clinching third spot. With Romain Grosjean having already been crowned 2011 GP2 Champion, Luca Filippi collected the Vice Champion prize with Bianchi third overall. Barwa Addax, meanwhile, were handed the teams' honours.

This weekend marked the final round of the 2011 GP2 Series with Jolyon Palmer hoping to return to the F1 feeder-series next year.

Monza, GP2 Sprint Race results:

1. C Vietoris, Racing, 21 laps
2. F Leimer, Rapax, +0.7s
3. J Bianchi, ART, +2.8s
4. S Bird, iSport, +3.5s
5. L Filippi, Scuderia, +4.0s
6. E Gutierrez, ART, +10.9s
7. D Clos, Racing, +11.5s
8. M Ericsson, iSport, +16.0s
9. L Razia, AirAsia, +17.6s
19. J Palmer, Arden, + 37.7s