Dan’s the man as he takes win in Barcelona
DANIEL Lloyd claimed a superb second TCR Europe race win of the year at the Circuit De Barcelona Catalunya.
A magnificent drive in race two saw the Huddersfield driver hold off a succession of challenges from the fast-charging Audi to take the chequered flag in the Brutal Fish Racing Team Honda Civic Type R.
The ABRACS and Mend-A-Hosebacked racer led a text-book drive in the final contest of the weekend with a flawless defensive drive from pole position.
Despite coming under unrelenting pressure from Magnus for the duration of the interrupted race, Lloyd held steadfast to take top honours in the #123 Civic Type R.
Lloyd’s second win of the TCR Europe season continues the 27-year-old’s stunning form that has seen him claim back-to-back wins in Spain and Germany, following on from his maiden podium finish in Austria in July.
“I’m absolutely over the moon with that win,” said Lloyd. “We worked so hard for that win out on track. It may have looked easy, but it certainly wasn’t the case in reality.
“The Audi had the legs on us for sure, and I had to defend hard to stop Magnus from coming through. It’s always great to get a race win, but it feels even sweeter when you’ve had to work that hard for the victory!”
In spite of missing the opening two rounds of the season, Lloyd has quickly established himself as a credible challenger in the TCR Europe Series, with his two victories and podium from the last three meetings helping to propel him up the championship standings.
The ProPack-backed driver added: “I’m really happy for the team as well.
“They’ve given me a perfect car again this weekend so I’m glad I was able to secure the win for them.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Martin Ryba giving me the opportunity, so I am grateful for his support.
“I came here with a plan this weekend and achieved exactly what I set out to do. With two wins and a podium under my belt, I’ve shown that I can mix-it-up with the best of them in the championship. The focus now is to carry that momentum into the final round, and into next season.
“My plan is to come back next year and challenge for the TCR Europe title. That’s 100 per cent on my radar.
“I have some great backers, but I’m working hard and looking for more new partners to help me to achieve that.”
Lloyd and the Brutal Fish Racing Team will be back in action for the 2019 TCR Europe season finale at the Autodromo Di Monza, in Italy on October 12/13.