Photo: PSP Images

RML drivers satisfied after first test

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Yvan Muller and Tom Chilton were happy after their first test ahead of the 2013 FIA World Touring Car Championship, driving the team’s Chevrolet Cruze at Snetterton and Brands Hatch last week.

Muller and Chilton both drove the car last Tuesday at the Snetterton circuit in Norfolk, England, with Chilton getting his hands on the three-time WTCC title winning car again at Brands Hatch on Thursday, in typically damp British weather conditions.

Neither Muller or Chilton has driven a WTCC car since the season finale at Macau in November.

“So that was winter testing – it went quick!,” said Yvan Muller. “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.”

After three years racing with Arena International Motorsport in the BTCC and the WTCC, Chilton faces driving for a new team for the first time since his stint with Team Dynamics (Honda) in 2008. The 27-year-old was therefore focussed on working with his new team and getting to grips with the Chevrolet Cruze 1.6T.

“It’s everything I thought it would be – a very well put together car,” he said. “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.”

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RML Project Supervisor Ron Hartvelt added:
“The two days have gone well without incident, although Brands Hatch was wet which gave us limited scope. At Snetterton we had invaluable time with Yvan in the car during the morning session, primarily concentrating on getting the car right to match the conditions here.

“It means we have a solid base from which to hand the car over to Tom. The main objective for Tom is to learn how the car (and team) works. We’re running as many laps as we can, trialling various changes so he understands how the car reacts and responds to his style of driving. The focus isn’t on lap times yet, that comes later, but it was important for Tom to overlay his data with Yvan to have a benchmark.”