Jolyon Palmer got his 2013 GP2 campaign off to the perfect start by topping the timesheets during this morning's (Tuesday, 26 February) opening pre-season test session at Jerez.

The 22-year-old Brit, running with Carlin for his third season in the F1 feeder-series, just pipped former team-mate Marcus Ericsson in the closing stages to go top by 0.09s.

Drivers were greeted with bright but cold conditions at the Spanish circuit with few electing to venture out early on, other than to complete their installation laps.

Palmer, who secured his maiden GP2 win last year at Monaco, ran much of the session inside the top 10 before making a late surge with 15 minutes left on the clock. Three separate red flags did hamper the morning's running though with Jolyon completing a total of 19 laps.

Rene Binder, driving for Lazarus, finished third for the closely fought session which saw the top 10 inside a second and fourth place Jonny Cecotto and fifth place Stéphane Richelmi setting identical times.

Speaking afterwards Palmer said: "We had a very good morning session finishing P1. There are a few things we can still work on in the car but overall I'm very happy with how we have started. Now this afternoon we are working on race runs."

Testing continues this afternoon with full coverage on Jolyon's official website.

GP2 Jerez results, Day one - morning session

1. Jolyon Palmer, Carlin, 1:25.330s
2. Marcus Ericsson, Dams, 1:25.426s
3. Rene Binder, Lazarus, 1:25.541s
4. Jonny Cecotto, Arden, 1:25.574s
5. Stéphane Richelmi, DAMS, 1:25.574s
6. Jake Rosenzweig, Addax, 1:25.842s
7. James Calado, Lotus, 1:25.911s
8. Tom Dillmann, Hilmer, 1:25.922s
9. Simon Trummer, Rapax, 1:25.998s
10. Felipe Nasr, Carlin, 1:26.019s