Team Aon drivers Tom Chilton and James Nash are pleased with the team’s progress in winter testing ahead of the former BTCC outfits progression to the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) for the first time.
The current model Ford Focus ST will make it’s debut on the world stage in just under three weeks time when the British outfit head to Monza for the season opener. The cars have been completely revised over the winter from their British-specification predecessors, with revised suspension, bodywork and additional components all tested in order to comply with the WTCC regulations.
Recent test sessions at Guadix and Estoril in Spain and Portugal have ensured that the Arena Motorsport squad, who prepare the cars under the Team Aon moniker, remain on course for a strong start to the season. It takes the total distance clocked up by the team in recent months to over 1500km.
“I’m very happy with the work we have done so far with the new car, the package is improving day by day which is really positive,” said Chilton. “The WTCC car is an evolution of the BTCC car, and the chassis is sensitive to small changes which is a good sign we have built a great race car.”
James Nash, who recently signed to join the team after three season in the BTCC with RML and Triple Eight, feels that he has settled in well at the Littlehampton-based team.
“I’ve bonded with the team well over the three test sessions and we’ve had a really positive test schedule,” added Nash. “The team put a lot of miles on the car and we worked on a variety of different components. The chassis and engine feels great – I can’t wait to get out on track at Monza.”