The trio of Team Aon drivers recorded a strong qualifying result at Snetterton, Tom Chilton and Tom Onslow–Cole both qualifying in the top ten.
With Andy Neate completing the Arena Motorsport run outfit all three of the 'Global' Ford Focus were among the best placed in the speed traps during both the free practice sessions, with Chilton leading the team in the overall timesheets for both the 40 minute sessions.
The weather – thankfully – remained dry for the British Touring Car Championship's 30 minute qualifying session and Chilton reprised his practice pace early in the session, putting the no.5 car in the top five among the works backed Hondas and Chevrolets.
However, like many other drivers towards the head of the field Chilton was unable to improve his position during the remainder of the session, despite frequently improving his own best sector times around the three mile Snetterton 300 layout.
“I'm really happy because throughout the day we have gone faster and faster, and all the tweaks we've made have been positive,” said Chilton, who ended the session sixth fastest. “Based on the work we've done so far, I think the new Focus is already better than the old car and has a lot more potential.”
“As a team we all feel confident with the new car; we all enjoy driving it and I can't wait to get racing tomorrow. Tomorrow will be a big learning curve for all of us again as we assess what works in race trim, but we're aiming to be right up there.”
Teammate Tom Onslow-Cole completed the top ten at the end of the session, part of a tightly packed top twelve that was covered by a single second. Onslow-Cole's best time (1:59.515) was eight-tenths down on pole man Jason Plato, Chilton, just four tenths off the top spot.
Andy Neate – star of qualifying at Oulton Park – ended the session with the 18th fastest time after he had his early lap times excluded after his car failed ride height checks during the session.
The BTCC returns to competition this weekend after a seven week summer break, the first of the series' three races on August 7 schedule to start at 12:10.
