Daniel Lloyd departed Silverstone this afternoon, Sunday, 8th July, disappointed not to have been able to convert a sensational top 10 qualifying performance into a similarly strong race result on his Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup debut – the 20-year-old having been shunted out of the race on lap one.
The Huddersfield driver, one of eight competitors from Porsche Carrera Cup GB who were granted a wildcard entry into the British Grand Prix support race, was the best of the group by far in qualifying and made a huge impression at his first ever FIA Formula One World Championship event.
Rain prior to the start of qualifying on Saturday, 7th July, meant all of the Supercup drivers went out on wet-weather rubber but after a single lap, with the precipitation having ceased, Daniel decided there was enough grip for slicks. After pitting for a change of tyres, he delivered some superb times.
Starring with the 10th fastest lap of the session overall, thanks to a terrific effort of 2m07.167 seconds, the 2012 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Scholar concluded the run just 0.6 seconds shy of pole position and easily the best of the contingent from the British championship.
While dreadful weather blighted much of the weekend at Silverstone, raceday remained dry and hopes were justly high for a suitably strong result from the TNT Post, TSD, Creechurch Private Wealth, Propack and TPA Yorkshire-backed racer.
Getting away from the line well, the Team Parker Racing ace made his way through the first couple of turns without drama but contact from fellow wildcard runner Glynn Geddie under braking for the hairpin pushed Daniel into the car ahead. The net result was a badly damaged radiator and a bitterly disappointing retirement.
“Everyone crumpled up into the hairpin after Abbey and Village, I was behind [Michael] Meadows and then I got hit from behind”, explained Daniel, “That pushed me into the back of Meadows’ car and my radiator was wrecked straight away. Nothing we could do, just really disappointing.
“It’s been an amazing experience overall though, there are loads of positives to take from the whole weekend and I’ve learnt a hell of a lot. The paddock is so professional and it’s obviously where I want to be in the future, to have experienced the Supercup so early in my Porsche career is fantastic.”
He added: “I want to say a massive thanks to Protyre for their support this weekend, helping us with sponsorship for the tyres, and obviously a huge thank you to Porsche GB for giving me the chance to be part of a Grand Prix weekend. It really has been amazing.”
As part of his Porsche Supercup weekend, Daniel also welcomed 12 young racers from the Formula Kart Stars series to the Team Parker Racing awning on Friday, 6th July, as part of a visit organised by FKS director Carolynn Hoy and FIA Formula One World Championship boss Bernie Ecclestone.
Having raced in FKS under its previous guise, the Stars of Tomorrow, during his formative motorsport career, Daniel was chosen by the series to meet the young kart racers who also visited the Red Bull Racing, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, Williams F1 and Mercedes AMG Petronas teams.
“It was great to meet the karters from FKS, it was a real pleasure to show them around the car and to be involved”, said Daniel. “It was a bit strange to be honest having these young kids looking up to me as I was in that position not so long ago! Thanks to Carolynn Hoy for asking me to take part.”
Next on the sporting schedule will be the resumption of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship with rounds 11 and 12 of the season taking place at Snetterton in Norfolk on 11th/12th August.
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