Arena tests Mountune LPG powerplant

Tom Chilton tested one Ford Focus with a regular petrol engine and another using a powerplant specially adapted by the team's engine partner Mountune to run on LPG at the Spanish circuit.

"Obviously we're always looking for anything which could provide us with a competitive edge," said team boss Mike Earle, who confirmed that a second back-to-back test will be conducted in the UK early in March.

"Also in these economically difficult times we have to consider any commercial benefits as well. In both of these areas LPG may be an option for us, but it's early days in our evaluation process.

"An engine has been running on the dyno, but this is the first time we've tried it in the car. After running it for two days the results have been encouraging, but not conclusive."

Tom Onslow-Cole, who is likely to race the second Focus this season, also tested for the squad.

The three-time BTCC race-winner said that he was impressed with the development of the car since he raced it at Brands Hatch last October.

"The car was good at the end of last season, but now it's incredible. I can't believe how much work the team has done over the winter," he said.

"All the development has not only made the Focus quicker, the way it handles now is a race driver's dream and that makes it great fun."