Monza to pose test of nerve for Lloyd

DANIEL Lloyd heads to Monza’s legendary Autodromo Nationale circuit this weekend looking to sign off his maiden TCR Europe campaign in fine style as the 2019 season comes to a close.

Reigning TCR UK champion Lloyd, from Huddersfield, arrives in Italy in winning form after taking an impressive lights-to-flag victory for the Brutal Fish Racing Team in Barcelona.

The 27-year-old has notched up an impressive two race wins from the last four races in Spain and Germany and is keen to carry that winning momentum into this weekend’s final meeting.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend. I can’t quite believe that the end of the season has come around so quickly,” said Lloyd. “I’ve loved every minute of it.”

Steeped in motorsport history, Monza is one of the oldest and most iconic tracks in the world and offers a dramatic backdrop to the championship’s season finale.

Lloyd returns to the high-speed circuit for the first time since his debut there in 2015 and faces fierce competition against a capacity 35-car strong grid for the final meeting of the year.

“We’ve had a very strong run in the last few rounds, so the aim is definitely to try and keep that momentum going into the final and finish on a high,” he added.

Although positive, Lloyd and the Brutal Fish Racing Team are realistic of their chances on the renowned F1 circuit. Monza is the least favourable track on the calendar for the Civic Type R, with the Honda having to overcome a significant straight-line speed disadvantage compared to its counterparts.

Added Lloyd: “The Honda isn’t the fastest car in a straight line so we’re expecting to find it a challenge.

“Monza is without a doubt our weakest track.

“However, we are really strong under the brakes so you never know. We were one of the slowest cars through the speed traps in Barcelona but still took the win. I have every confidence in the Honda Civic Type R, and in the team.”

The ABRACS and Mend-A-Hosebacked racer continued; “I’ve had a brilliant first year in the TCR Europe championship, and I’ll be giving it everything to push for that podium. I’d love to finish the season on a high, not just for me, but to say thank you to Martin Ryba and the Brutal Fish Racing Team for all of their hard work this year.”