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Team Aon complete comprehensive test schedule

By MJP Media | 22 February 2012

Team Aon have completed a comprehensive test schedule ahead of their 2012 World Touring Car Championship campaign in which they will bring the 1.6 litre turbocharged Ford Focus to the world stage.

Team Aon's WTCC Ford Focus<br>(Image courtesy of Team Aon)
Team Aon's WTCC Ford Focus
(Image courtesy of Team Aon)

The Littlehampton squad, along with drivers Tom Chilton and James Nash, have been using the time to further learn the newly developed version of the British Touring Car Championship multiple race winner.

The team spent the winter months developing revised suspension, bodywork and further components to comply with the WTCC regulations and recently shook down the new car before starting their test schedule in Valencia where they began their work on engine mapping.

A further two test sessions in Guadix and Estoril ensured that the team could work on developing the new car, focus on engine durability and get used to the new chassis. Completing over 1500kms without any issues, the team now look forward to the start of the season having received positive feedback from both Nash and Chilton.

Having developed the car over the off season and after putting in a vast amount of mileage during the three test sessions, Tom Chilton said, "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. 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."

Driving the car the first time and getting to know Team Aon, James Nash said, "I've bonded with the team well over the three test sessions and we've had a really positive test schedule. 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."

The 2012 World Touring Car Championship season starts in Monza on 9th March.


Tom Chilton in the 2011 BTCC Team Aon Ford Focus
Tom Chilton in the 2011 BTCC Team Aon Ford Focus

Tom Chilton in the 2011 BTCC Team Aon Ford Focus
Tom Chilton in the 2011 BTCC Team Aon Ford Focus

 

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