Roal to run Chevrolet for Chilton and Coronel

ROAL Motorsport will field Chevrolet Cruze cars for Tom Chilton and Tom Coronel in the 2014 FIA World Touring Car Championship.

The Italian team committed to run two of the cars that RML is building in compliance with WTCC new technical regulations.

This is a turning point for ROAL Motorsport that has raced only BMW cars since it was founded in 2001. And for team Principal Roberto Ravaglia himself who drove for BMW Motorsport from 1984 to 1997.

“We are not severing our long standing ties with BMW. Actually we will keep on racing BMW cars in other series. However, because unfortunately BMW decided not to develop a new WTCC car and we wished to stay in the series, we had no alternatives than looking for another brand. We believe that the RML-built Chevrolet Cruze provides a great opportunity of running a competitive car,” Ravaglia explained.

Chilton and Coronel were classified fifth and tenth in the 2013 championship, with two race wins apiece. The 28-year old Englishman joins ROAL Motorsport after racing for Arena Motorsport and RML, while the 41-year old Dutch faces his fourth season with the Italian team.

Tom Chilton said: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge of driving a faster car with another highly rated team like ROAL Motorsport. Tom Coronel is a good friend and I think he will be a good team mate. We will be fast on the track and have the most fun at the same time whilst getting the job done.”

Tom Coronel echoed: “It’s good to stay with a professional team like ROAL Motorsport after being the best BMW driver in the last three years with them. I also am happy to stay in WTCC because I have been in the championship since the beginning. The series is the best package for my sponsors and also for myself as driver. Tom Chilton is a good friend and I had good battles with him last year, so it’s nice to have him as team-mate.”