Tom Chilton admits that his new steed for the 2014 World Touring Car Championship, the RML-built TC1 Chevrolet Cruze, feels more “like a GT car” now after enjoying his first test run at Valencia last week.
Chilton drove an RML-run Cruze in the 2013 WTCC, taking two wins on his way to fifth in the championship. For 2014 the Brit moves to ROAL Motorsport, as RML themselves have opted not to run any of the six new cars themselves this season.
Chilton was enthusiastic after his first run in the car, admitting that he already feels comfortable with the faster and more aero-dependent machine.
“It was great to drive the new RML built TC1 Chevy,” said Chilton. “It really looks and feels like a GT car to drive now. I was very impressed with the feedback I had through my fingertips on the steering wheel. The car straight out of the box was very neutral and easy to drive. I feel we have a great baseline setup to build upon.”
The Brit also got to know new team ROAL during the two day test, having previously raced for Arena Motorsport and then RML in 2013.
“I just want to say a thank you to RML Group for getting our car ready for this test,” added Chilton. “Over the two days it was a great chance for ROAL and RML to work together closely and learn more about the car. We had one or two teething problems to start with but nothing out of the ordinary when building a new race car.
“I’m really looking forward to getting more miles under my belt next week in Italy to prepare ourselves for what is going to be a very exciting year ahead with all the new regulations.”
Team Principal of ROAL Motorsport Roberto Ravaglia admits that there is still plenty of work to do before the season commences in under three weeks in Morocco.
“I am positive about the test although it did not last as long as we wanted because of minor technical issues,” said Ravaglia. “The car seems to be well balanced and, most important of all, the engine is very good.
“There is still a lot of work to do and time is very short. We will test again with Chilton at Adria, on Sunday and Monday, and on the same days Tom Coronel will shake down his own car.”