Following some mid-season testing at Pembrey two weeks ago, Team Aon head to Snetterton this weekend confident of making steps forward. Like all of their rivals in the paddock the team will be new to the circuit, with no previous data to rely upon, thus creating a somewhat more level playing field.
Tom Chilton has previously tested on the new circuit and he spoke highly of the new configuration. “It’s the first time for us at the new circuit; I’ve only had one test there,” said Chilton. “It’s a lot more technical – a real driver’s circuit where one little mistake can cost you a lot of time on the stopwatch.”
Chilton will also be hoping that recent development work at Pembrey in South Wales pays off.
“In the break we’ve been able to test at Pembrey which went really well, we’ve made some positive changes to the car. We’ve learnt a lot, and the team have put in so much hard work – there’s some great development going on. Most changes we made at Pembrey seemed to make the car faster – even though it was scorching hot which weren’t the best conditions for the tyres. Overall I’m very happy with the car and especially how the test went.”
Tom Onslow-Cole, taking part in his second weekend with the team in 2011, has not raced on the new ‘300’ version of Snetterton and so heads into this weekend a little more in the dark. “I didn’t take part in the pre-season test at Snetterton so I’ve not driven the new configuration yet,” said Onslow-Cole. “It might be a little bit tough for me but I’ve been trying to learn the track through various different ways.”
After a difficult return to the team last time out at Croft, in which Onslow-Cole could only manage a best result of 10th, he will head to Snetterton this weekend hoping for more. Following the test session at Pembrey, the 24-year-old is feeling much more confident for this weekend.
“I’m feeling much more up to speed with the car and the developments are good. I’ve been to the factory a few times since the last race so by the time I got to Pembrey I already felt really comfortable around the team and car. I sometimes forget that I’ve only just rejoined Team Aon – but I know I have great people around and I feel good about our chances at Snetterton.”