Tom Chilton has praised the handling of Ford’s 2011 BTCC contender, with the Global Focus getting its first run at Brands Hatch on Wednesday. Despite a few early technical issues, Chilton was able to complete an impressive 55 laps on the opening day of testing, with the Arena squad working hard to fix the problems initially faced.
"The car feels just beautiful," the 25-year-old explained to the official British Touring Car Championship website. "We had some teething problems early on but they were fixed at lunchtime and in the afternoon it ran like a dream. But what an effort from the people in the team - it's been a really big proper push on their part."
Chilton - the 2010 BTCC Independent Champion - went on to talk about the improved performance he is now enjoying at the wheel of his new challenger: "Without a doubt the base product is already a better starting-off point. The old car was great; this is just even better.
"It feels better on the brakes and over the kerbs and uses its tyres better almost like a BMW. Not only that but without really putting a Brands set-up on it I was still able to match my qualifying time from 2010’s final round. To do that straight out of the box is a great effort."
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| Team Aon | |
|---|---|
| 16 Oct '11 | Neal claims 2011 title as Chilton wins |
| 15 Oct '11 | Chilton tops opening Silverstone practice |
| 4 Sep '11 | Chilton wins opening Knockhill race |
| 3 Sep '11 | Chilton storms to Knockhill pole |
| 23 Aug '11 | Aon satisfied after Snetterton test |
| Tom Chilton | |
| 28 Jul '11 | Chilton pleased after Pembrey test |
| 30 Apr '11 | Chilton tops first Thruxton practice |
| 1 Apr '11 | New Focus a lot better, Chilton warns |
| 11 Mar '11 | Chilton delighted with new Focus |
| 10 Nov '10 | Aon runs petrol engine for first time |
| BTCC | |
| 30 Aug '12 | Calendar issued for 2013 season |
| 17 Aug '12 | Louise Goodman to race Mini at Knockhill |
| 5 Apr '12 | BTCC video: Multiple car pile-up at Brands |
| 19 Mar '12 | BTCC reveals 25-car entry list for 2012 |
| 17 Feb '12 | Toby Moody becomes new ITV commentator |
| Tom Chilton | |||
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| More Tom Chilton photos | |||
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