TCR World and life

14 MALAYSIA Daniel Lloyd might put an end to Luca Engstler’s winning streak in Asia, as he leads the TCR Malaysia championship with only one race meeting left. With three second places and a victory at the wheel of his Brutal Fish Racing Honda Civic, Lloyd has built a 19-point lead over Engstler who has claimed two race wins – in Rounds 1 and 3 – but was hit by tyre issues in the second races of both the series’ first two events. Surprisingly, young Malaysian rookie Gilbert Ang is also in the title fight, having proved that he can match the pace of his more experienced European rivals; Ang finished all four races on the podium in his Viper Niza Racing CUPRA. ROUNDS 1 & 2 – ENGSTLER AND GRUBER SHARE WINS At the start of Race 1, pole sitter Engstler took the lead from Lloyd who managed to stay in close contact. However, from lap 5 the young German was able to increase his margin and crossed the line four seconds ahead of his rival. Behind them, Declan Fraser defended third position, but he was passed by Gilbert Ang, Gruber and Freddie Ang. With two laps to go, both Gruber and Fraser returned to the pits; the Austrian retired having damaged his car in a contact with Gilbert Ang, while the Australian re- joined after losing one lap while the front tyres were changed. From second on the reverse grid for Race 2, Gruber pipped pole sitter Yang Xi and led, while Lloyd and Engstler quickly advanced to second and third. Engstler then put pressure on Lloyd; for several laps the Honda driver managed to block all the gaps and in the second half of the race shook Engstler off his back. Lloyd then tried to close in on Gruber, but the Austrian had built a solid margin and claimed his maiden Touring Car win. Over the last laps Engstler experienced tyre issues and dropped back, while Gilbert Ang beat Fraser in the battle for third. Daniel Lloyd hasbuiltasolidlead REIGNING CHAMPION LUCA ENGSTLER MUST FILL A 19-POINT GAP