By alley - Nov 19, 2014, 4:15 AM ET

Force India to test Palmer, Goddard

GP2 champion Jolyon Palmer will make his Formula 1 test debut with Force India in Abu Dhabi next week.

The team will also give European Formula 3 racer Spike Goddard his first F1 run.

Palmer wrapped up the 2014 GP2 title with a round to spare at Sochi last month, and said afterwards he was optimistic he could buck the recent trend of feeder series champions failing

to secure F1 seats.

He hopes the Force India test can grow into a bigger opportunity.

"Force India has shown their faith in me by offering this opportunity and I am looking forward to repaying their trust in Abu Dhabi," said the 23-year-old Briton.

"I have worked very hard for a chance like this and I want to help the team get the most from this test session.

"This is a team that has always promoted talent and I hope this opportunity can lead to bigger things in the future."

Force India team boss Vijay Mallya was pleased it would be his squad giving Palmer his first F1 chance.

"As a team we have a strong track record of identifying up-and-coming prospects and giving them valuable mileage and experience in our cars.," he said.

"I have been following Jolyon's progress this season in GP2 and he is clearly a big talent that deserves a chance in Formula 1."

Palmer will drive on the Tuesday of the test before handing over to 22-year-old Australian Goddard, who was 23rd in European F3 this season.

Originally on Autosport.com