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Chilton optimistic about Arena potential despite troubled start in Slovakia

Team Aon's Tom Chilton says he remains optimistic about the potential of his Arena Motorsport Ford Focus despite a troubled start to the fourth round of the WTCC at the Slovakia Ring

The Briton expressed his optimism over extensive suspension revisions to his Arena Motorsport Ford Focus, and said he had also been buoyed by team-mate James Nash's competitive showing in third place.

"Well, I did a fantastic in and out lap, and then the fuel pressure senor broke," said Chilton. "But the most important thing is that the suspension didn't fail, because it's all-new suspension. We have bolted on the Focus road car's rear suspension, the same as the Volvo WTCC car ran last season."

The Focus is the lightest car at the Slovakia Ring; its total weight of 1130kg is 20kg less than TDI and 1.6T-powered SEAT Leons and 70kg under the Chevrolet Cruze and BMW 320TC machines.

"We have had to comply and build our car to the new WTCC regulations, and the FIA have been very strict with us," Chilton said. "But that's good, and that's why I like World Touring Cars.

"We are now building a car to set regulations and I like that because I have confidence knowing the team is good.

"James did that time on a good set of tyres, but they weren't new. We should be in with a chance, but I only have half an hour to learn the circuit before qualifying!"

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