JOLYON Palmer is looking for an improved display in tomorrow’s hotly-anticipated Japanese Grand Prix.

The Enstone-based Renault driver could only finish 15th in Malaysia last week, one place ahead of teammate Nico Hulkenberg.

The Suzuka circuit is a favourite of many drivers, but Palmer is aware that a positive result will not come easily.

He said: “It’s a very fast circuit and it’s got a lot of high-speed change of direction, so you need to have the car really hooked up here.

“It’s got an old-school feel to it too, so the margin for error is pretty small.

“We think we’re going to have a good one here and can’t wait to get started.”

Hulkenberg remained upbeat despite last weekend’s F1 result, with the German confident that a points finish is well within his grasp.

“If I have good balance and harmony I like to be best of the rest behind the top three teams,” he said.

“We should aim to be the first car behind them and pick up as many points as we can.”

Grove-based Williams driver Felipe Massa was less enthusiastic after two difficult Friday practice sessions.

He said: “The first impression of the car is that it is all right, but it’s difficult to say where we are compared to others.”

Banbury-based Haas will be keen to reverse their recent fortunes after gaining just two points from the past three races.

Meanwhile, Sean Walkinshaw believes he can still win the Super GT title ahead of the penultimate round in Thailand tomorrow.

The Chipping Norton driver and teammate Shinicki Takagi are tied for fourth in the championship standings, but only 14 points off the lead.

And the 23-year-old, who drives for Autobacs Racing Team Aguri, is confident that the pairing can bridge the gap.

He said: “We’re still in there with a fighting chance so we’ll give it all we’ve got over the last two rounds – starting this

weekend.”