The RML driver line up of Yvan Muller and Tom Chilton are confident ahead of the opening round of the 2013 World Touring Car Championship after testing at Snetterton and Brands Hatch.
For Muller, who heads into his fourth campaign with the team drove one of the teams’ Chevrolet Cruzes for the first time since the Macau finale last November.
“So that was winter testing – it went quick!” joked the triple Champion, who finished 3rd in the drivers’ Championship in 2012.
“That’s the first time I’ve sat in the car since Macau, but the news is I can still drive! The Cruze handles well and it’s great to be back behind the wheel. Despite limited running, we have a strong basis to work from and I hope we will keep some of that advantage.”
For Chilton, who joins the team after racing the Arena Motorsport built Team Aon Ford Focus in 2012; it was his first opportunity to sample the car.
“It’s everything I thought it would be – a very well put together car,” added the British driver, who finished his maiden WTCC campaign 22nd in the drivers’ Championship. “The balance is very neutral, which makes it forgiving. At the moment I am trying to work out how I can play with the car to understand the handling and set up.
“Small changes on the Cruze can make big differences, which is a sign of a great chassis. The car has had so much development over the years and it feels good. I’m really enjoying being out on track and I feel like I am moulding into the team well so far,” concluded the 2011 British Touring Car Championship Independents’ Champion.