Britain's Jolyon Palmer will drive for Lotus in first practice at all the remaining European races this season.

Lotus's 24-year-old reserve driver,the GP2 champion, will add first practice in Austria, Britain, Hungary, Belgium and Italy to his recent outings in China, Bahrain and Spain.

He will also be driver in the test following the Austrian race on 23 June.

"I'm pleased to be driving in P1 for the rest of the European season," said Palmer.

"I've been happy with my performances so far and the car is improving all the time."

Palmer will be at the wheel of the car allocated for Frenchman Romain Grosjean.

Lotus's other driver, Pastor Maldonado, has a contract that allows him to insist that he drives.