Reigning TCR UK champion Dan Lloyd says the Hyundai runners were “sandbagging” during practice before displaying their true pace in qualifying at the Red Bull Ring, in which they locked out the top three positions.
The Brutal Fish Racing Team driver was the pacesetter in both 30-minute practice sessions yesterday, but could only manage fifth behind the three Hyundais of Luca Filippi, Josh Files and Nelson Panciatici, with Davit Kajaia’s CUPRA in fourth.
Lloyd told TouringCars.Net he felt the Hyundai runners were “playing games” in practice, and although he was disappointed with the result he felt happy he managed to extract the maximum out of his Honda Civic.
“I think it was just a case of the Hyundais sandbagging yesterday, they found a lot of time. All of them found nearly a second, pretty much,” said Lloyd.
“So I think they were playing games. We were flat out yesterday, flat out today. I did a really good lap today, I’m happy with what I did.
“You can’t control how quick everyone else goes, so happy with the job I did, but a bit disappointed being fifth after obviously being first.
“But we’re still up there, good position for both races. So let’s crack on.”
Despite admitting he remained realistic after the practice results yesterday, Lloyd said he was surprised at just how much pace the Hyundais managed to find in between practice and qualifying.
“It’s only practice, so you never think ‘Oh I’m definitely going to get pole’ because you never know what everyone is going to do,” he said.
“But I was surprised at just how quick they went compared to yesterday.
“The CUPRA and the Volkswagen are extremely light so I can understand their pace, but the Hyundais are very very quick.”