Daniel Lloyd is hopeful of a strong conclusion to his maiden campaign in the TCR International Series as he gears up to contest this weekend’s double-header finale at the Dubai Autodrome with Lukoil Craft-Bamboo Racing.
The former British Touring Car Championship racer made the switch to the well-regarded international tin-top category from the Salzburgring round onwards, and went on to enjoy his breakthrough podium success at Oschersleben a few races later.
This weekend marks the first time the International arm of TCR has run at the 2.6 kilometre Dubai circuit, a factor which Lloyd hopes will create an even playing field for him to capitalise upon.
“This is the first time that the TCR has visited the Dubai Autodrome so that should hopefully level the playing field for us this weekend,” said Lloyd.
“If we can avoid picking up any damage then I feel sure we can be pushing for a podium spot.
“I’m hopeful of a strong end to the season. We’ve had a mixed bag of results really which has been frustrating at times, but our pace has been pretty consistent and we’ve shown that we can challenge the front-runners.”
Though Lloyd remains out of championship contention, his efforts alongside James Nash and Pepe Oriola could see the Craft-Bamboo squad, which runs a trio of SEAT Leon TCR machines, challenge M1RA for the Teams’ Championship title, though their chances look slim.
“We’ve got a huge task ahead of us this weekend,” commented Lloyd.
“Theoretically we’re still within a shot of the title but it’s almost out of our hands. All we can do is try to score as many points as possible for the team and see where M1RA ends up. Realistically the title is theirs to lose now.”
“It’s been great working with the Lukoil Craft-Bamboo guys again this year;” he concluded. “They’ve given me a fantastic car and are such a professional group of guys, it would be mega to get them the result they deserve this weekend and to end the season with a podium or win.”
The final two rounds of the 2017 TCR International Series take place at 06:40 and 11:05 respectively on Saturday 18th November. Live streaming is available via YouTube (TCR TV) and through the championship’s official website.