Reigning TCR UK champion Dan Lloyd has admitted he was just focusing on driving during the second TCR Europe qualifying session, in which he was deemed to participate illegitimately.
The Brutal Fish Racing driver was previously in 18th position before setting a time good enough for third – but crucially only five seconds after a red flag ended the session after a shunt for Josh Files at Raidillon.
Lloyd was immediately under investigation while competing in Q2, before being put back into the 18th position he initially set the time for.
He told TouringCars.Net that the team sent him out in the second part of qualifying as they believed he had progressed through, but admitted he was unaware of the confusion that had been caused.
“Everything was going on which was all a bit crazy, but my name was on the screen for Q2 and the team sent me out so obviously I went out,” said Lloyd.
“I was just focusing on getting ready and getting sorted and driving.
“The lap time I did in Q1 put me P3, so I had really good pace, the car was awesome and it was just a case of getting it together for Q2.”
Despite being put back in 18th position, Lloyd was pleased with the pace displayed by his Honda Civic Type R, expecting to be further away from the Audis which occupy the front row for race one.
“I thought the Peugeots would be quicker this weekend, I knew the Audis would be quick because they were on pole last year by half a second,” he said.
“Traditionally, this isn’t a strong circuit for the Honda, so considering I’m P3 and the pace is very good, I’m really pleased with the performance.”