British F1 rookie Jolyon Palmer put in a sterling effort during qualifying for the Russian Grand Prix, hauling his Renault R.S.16 to 18th on the grid.

Jolyon had also finished 18th in each of the three practice sessions around the 3.63-mile Sochi circuit, merely highlighting that the performance in the new Renault car isn't quite where they would like it to be at this stage of the season.

Both Jolyon and team-mate Kevin Magnussen were clearly facing an uphill struggle in qualifying, but initially planted both cars in the top 15.

As times continued to tumble Jolyon and Kevin traded quicker times on a number of occasions.

With just one run and a few minutes remaining Magnussen was first from the Renault camp to clock his final flyer. Jolyon meanwhile faced a setback by being kept on the weigh bridge mid-session, losing at least one of his timed laps in the process.

The Dane went 17th in the closing moments while Palmer was busy completing a tricky first sector, which left him a few tenths down on his stablemate.

With only one chance remaining Jolyon strung sectors two and three together in fine fashion, ending the session just 0.095s behind his team-mate.

Jolyon and the other 21 cars will line up on the grid for tomorrow's Russian GP, which will get underway at 1pm UK time. Keep it here for news and reaction following the race.