British rookie Jolyon Palmer insists he is "still in the mix" for a seat at Renault next season as he battles to secure his future in Formula One.
Palmer, the 25-year-old from Horsham, enters the final seven races desperate to convince his Renault bosses that they should extend his stay in the sport into a second term.
The former GP2 champion has endured a mixed opening campaign with promising performances coupled by a number of rookie mistakes.
Indeed he was set to score his first points at the Hungarian Grand Prix in July before a late spin scuppered his chances.
But speaking on the eve of the Singapore Grand Prix, Palmer is hopeful he will be given a second year at Renault.
"Obviously the seats are in doubt, or up for grabs, so every race from now on is a chance to show what I can do," said Palmer.
"It's a track I really like here and I feel like I'm driving the best I've driven all season at the moment. The results haven't really shown in the last couple of races but I feel good within myself.
"I've had some good success here before, so hopefully keep on the good form I am at the moment and I think this one will suit our car a little bit more as well. Hopefully we will be able to challenge a little bit higher and I can show what I can do a bit more."
Asked if he had been given a timeframe on when he could expect a decision by Renault, Palmer replied: "No, nothing yet. Nothing changes for me really. I will just keep doing the job.
"I'll know when I know, but if I just keep doing what I'm doing, I know I'm in the mix. We'll just see how things pan out."
Palmer's cause to secure a second term could be aided by Renault's failed pursuit of Sergio Perez.
The Mexican, who is backed by Carlos Slim - one of the world's wealthiest men - had courted the attention of the Enstone-based outfit, but he appears almost certain to stay at Force India for a fourth successive season.
Speaking on Thursday, Perez said: "I was hoping to be able to be in a position to announce my plans for this weekend.
"Obviously we got some delays, but I really hope that before the next race we can definitely announce where I'll be racing."
Source: PA
