Tom Chilton targeting strong points haul in double-points event

Motorbase Performance’s Tom Chilton is aiming to make the most of his top three grid position for the Diamond Double race at Snetterton, as he looks to recover points ground which could be lost in Races 1 and 2.

Chilton missed out on all running in Free Practice 2 following an engine problem with his Ford Focus, which the team were able to repair just part-way through the first qualifying session, which allowed him to head out and qualify in 16th.

“The belt fell off the engine in FP1 so it started to overheat, then we did a few laps in FP2 and then the engine properly broke, so I only did one lap in the dry,” said Chilton to TouringCarTimes.

“We got the refreshed engine in ten minutes from the end of Q1, but we did not have the right set-up because we had no dry running in practice, we couldn’t get the balance right for Q1. We worked through it all for Q2, and also took the 39kg of success ballast out of the car and boom, P3 in Q2; I’m very excited about the race.”

Chilton says his focus isn’t the glory of victory in Race 3 for the Diamond Double event, but more gathering points for his championship charge.

“It’s all about the points this weekend as I’m fifth in the championship,” he added. “Starting 16th for Race 1 isn’t great, but I’ve got the soft tyre for the first race which should help, and we’ll see where we get to. I just need to get as many points as possible this weekend.”