Lloyd gets Euro 3000 seat

Lloyd was set to compete in the British F3 Championship this year, but a lack of funds meant he was forced to vacate his seat with reigning champion team Alan Docking Racing before the season opener.

But he shone in an impromptu test with JVA during free practice for the third round of the Euro 3000 series at Jerez in the first weekend of June, where he set the fastest time overall in the second session.

"I've had an awkward start to the year in so far as I haven't been racing yet," said Lloyd, "but joining the series in round four [of 11] means I still have a good chance to compete for the championship. The test at Jerez showed me that the car is completely different in terms of power and grip to what I am used to.

"But the JVA car was very good and I just worked on myself and learning the track in that session so I was surprised to the be top by the end of the session.

"I'll be in at the deep end at Monza with only half an hour to learn the track before qualifying. But I'm there to learn and step-by-step I hope to build up some wins later in the season."

Team boss John Village has high hopes for Lloyd: "It's great to have him with us. He was immediately comfortable in the car in Jerez, was quick to learn and above all very fast! He has already proved he has the talent and I am confident that the points will come."