Electric Cars

Lloyd's Return: A Strategic Move to Secure the Championship

A Veteran's Return to the Track

Thirty-four-year-old Yorkshire native Dan Lloyd, a seasoned competitor with five BTCC race victories to his name, is set to make a significant comeback. His return to Restart Racing marks a pivotal moment for the team as they head into the concluding stages of the 2026 season, starting with the Donington Park round this weekend.

The Driver Line-Up: Lloyd and Smiley

Lloyd will be stepping into the seat previously occupied by James Dorlin, joining forces with Chris Smiley. Together, they will pilot Restart Racing's pair of high-performance Hyundai i30 N Fastbacks, a combination that the team hopes will propel them to further success.

A Brief Hiatus and an Advisory Role

After clinching Restart's inaugural BTCC victory at Silverstone last season, Lloyd had taken a step back from active racing to focus on his coaching commitments. However, he maintained a close relationship with the team, continuing in an advisory capacity, which has now paved the way for his return to competitive driving.

Back in the Hot Seat: First Drive Since Last October

Aside from a brief shakedown session scheduled for later in the week, Lloyd's appearance in free practice at Donington will mark his first time back in a BTCC car since October of last year, highlighting the anticipation surrounding his immediate performance.

Restart Racing's Strategic Reinforcement

While James Dorlin has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the current season, the re-integration of the reigning Independents champion, Dan Lloyd, signifies a strategic strengthening of Restart Racing's forces. This move is aimed at intensifying their pursuit of a second consecutive Independents Teams' title, especially given the tight competition among the top four teams.

Team Principal's Confidence in Lloyd

Pete Jones, the team principal of Restart Racing, expressed his confidence in Lloyd's capabilities. He emphasized Lloyd's deep familiarity with both the team and the car, recalling their special achievements together in the previous season. Jones believes Lloyd's proven ability to extract maximum performance from the car, coupled with his strong rapport with the team and Chris Smiley, will enable a seamless transition back into competition.

Lloyd's Acknowledgment and Anticipation

Dan Lloyd acknowledged the challenging circumstances for James Dorlin, drawing parallels to his own past experiences in racing. He extended his best wishes to Dorlin, recognizing his talent. Lloyd also expressed his excitement about rejoining Restart Racing, a team he considers "home," and is eager to build on their past successes.

Implications for the Jack Sears Trophy

Dorlin's departure also has implications for the Jack Sears Trophy, a sub-division of the championship. This development appears to clear the path for Dexter Patterson, who had been locked in a fierce battle with Dorlin for the title, reserved for drivers who have secured no more than one outright podium finish prior to the season.

Dorlin's Reflective Farewell

James Dorlin reflected on his time with Restart Racing, acknowledging both the challenging and positive moments, particularly highlighting their strong performance at Thruxton. He conveyed his best wishes to the team for the remainder of the year and looks forward to his next career chapter.

In a unique disclosure, former Formula 1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer shared his peculiar strategy for signaling to staff when he was wired for sound by the "Drive to Survive" production crew. This popular Netflix docuseries offers an exclusive look into the Formula 1 paddock, necessitating that those involved find innovative ways to safeguard their confidential discussions.

Szafnauer divulged his technique during an interview on the "High Performance Racing" podcast, explaining, "I would put a piece of tape across my forehead that said 'Netflix'." This visual cue served as a discreet warning to anyone approaching him that their conversations might be recorded. He confirmed that these microphones were only active when his team was central to the episode's narrative, typically during crucial moments like being on the pitwall or grid.

Despite the time lag between filming and broadcast, Szafnauer emphasized the critical need to protect sensitive tactical information. The Netflix series, co-produced with Box to Box Films, has been instrumental in broadening F1's global appeal, particularly in the United States, by showcasing the personalities and off-track lives of drivers and teams.

This candid revelation from Szafnauer underscores the constant balance between media transparency and the strategic imperatives within Formula 1. His inventive approach ensured that while the cameras captured compelling narratives, the competitive edge derived from private discussions remained intact, allowing the teams to operate without inadvertently revealing their strategies to rivals.