Tom Chilton impresses at Brands Hatch test

VX Racing's Tom Chilton showed maturity beyond his years at 2006's first official Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) test at Brands Hatch yesterday afternoon, recording the second fastest time, just 0.081s behind reigning champion Matt Neal.

The 21-year-old, who signed for VX Racing this year, was leading the field for the majority of yesterday's session, and says he is sure the VXR Astra Sport Hatch has more to offer.

"I know that circuit so well," said Tom, who lives in Reigate, Surrey. "Every twist and turn, every nook and cranny. I know there's a few more tenths to be found, and Matt only beat me by hundredths.

"The car was good but I made a few changes until the set up was just right for Brands. It all looks very good for the first race, which takes place at Brands Hatch on April 9."

VX Racing team principal, Ian Harrison, is cautiously optimistic. "Nothing's definite yet," he said. "Tom did a great job but we don't know what everyone else is doing. They could be running heavy - we just won't know until the first qualifying."

Chilton's team-mate, Fabrizio Giovanardi, had a more frustrating day, struggling to find his ideal set up and finishing ninth in the times, 0.35s off Neal's time. "I'm not worried," said the Italian, who is also a new signing for VX Racing. "I like to feel a good car, and in testing I'd rather spend my time perfecting set-up than putting in fast laps. It's not qualifying until a week on Saturday."

Harrison is also confident the multiple-touring car champion will deliver on the day. "Fabrizio set good times in the morning," he said. "If his programme had been in sync with the others things would have been different on the time sheets but he ran his tyres a bit earlier than everyone else." Gavin Smith finished just ahead of Giovanardi, with a best time of 49.709s. "It went okay," said the Irishman. "I don't think I got the best out of the car. You only get a small opening with these tyres and you can't make any mistakes. But even so, I was only three-tenths off the quickest time and I know my mistakes probably cost me more than that."

The teams will have two free practices at the BTCC's opening round at Brands Hatch on April 8 before timed qualifying begins for the following day's races.