Yvan Muller declared himself optimistic about the season ahead after completing his first World Touring Car Championship test with Chevrolet. The team's two-day session at Valencia was 2008 world champion Muller's first chance to drive the Cruze after joining the team from SEAT.
"It was a very useful session for me, as I familiarize with the Cruze and start working seriously with the engineers and the mechanics," he said. "I must say I felt extremely comfortable with the engineers and the mechanics, and I am very pleased to be again in an Anglo-Saxon environment. This is a highly professional team and a group of really nice people and I like a lot their calm and methodical approach to things.
"The Cruze seems to be an excellent base, although I am just starting to explore its limits," he added. "I am excited at the prospect of bringing my contribution to the team's efforts."
Muller was joined at the test by team regular Rob Huff, who felt his new teammate was settling in well. "The car feels good and it actually was quicker than during the Valencia race weekend last year, although this doesn't necessarily mean a lot as the engine works much better in the cooler conditions we have at this time of the year," said Huff. "We are working well with Yvan and I am pleased to see we had similar feedback and comments on the car."
The Valencia test also marked the first appearance of ex-Formula 1 man Graham Watson at Chevrolet. Watson has taken over from Mark Busfield as the manager of the RML-run squad.