IPS: Lloyd revels in former rival's F1 success.

Indy Pro Series points leader Alex Lloyd may 'only' have finished second in both Liberty Challenge races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at the weekend, but he was greeted by a familiar face after stepping down from the podium in race two.

The Briton admitted that he was surprised to find good friend and fellow countryman Lewis Hamilton waiting to congratulate him, the latter having gone on to become Formula One's hottest property in the space of just seven races this season. The pair became friends when they raced against each other in karts, before taking that rivalry in to the 2003 Formula Renault UK championship, where Hamilton eventually beat Lloyd to the title.

"I haven't seen Lewis since his 21st birthday, which was some time ago," the Sam Schmidt Motorsport driver revealed. "My family got to see his dad during yesterday's [IPS] race, but I hadn't had a chance to catch up with him."

Asked about Hamilton's rapid rise to super-stardom this season, Lloyd reckoned that all the hallmarks of quality had been on display in their junior days.

"A lot of people doubted that he could be so good, so fast, but this is what he's been groomed for," he explained, "I knew that he would have a lot of success. He's had a lot of success since I last saw seen him, so I had a lot to congratulate him about."

The platitudes were not all flowing in Hamilton's direction at the Brickyard, however, with the 22-year old quick to pay tribute to another Briton to have found success there this season.

"Just to win any race in Formula One is obviously extremely satisfying, but I've watched the Indy 500 many times and, to see Dario Franchitti finally win, I was extremely happy for him, because I know him quite well," he said, "To continue that [British success this weekend], I think is great for the country, and I'm extremely proud."