New Motorbase Performance driver Andrew Joran enjoyed a ‘productive’ test with the Kent team when he took to the wheel of his 2016 Ford Focus for the first time at Brands Hatch.
Jordan sampled his new car at Brands Hatch last week, getting to know both the car and the team over the course of several days.
Jordan had assistance from regular driver Mat Jackson during the test, and at the end the former champion admitted to being impressed with the car, which took four victories in half a season of racing in 2015.
“Today has been all about getting a feel for the car and getting to know the team but it’s been really productive,” said Jordan. “After spending a couple days with the boys in the workshop I feel really comfortable in the team and the test couldn’t have gone any better to be honest.
“After watching the Focus this year I was really looking forward to seeing how it handled. I know that people will be expecting me to say this, but the car genuinely impressed me. Motorbase have clearly done a great job getting the car to where it is now, both with the engine and chassis development and it’s been a long time since I’ve felt that happy in a touring car.
“We have a great platform to build on for next year and everyone in the team is confident that we have a strong package that can challenge for the title. For now though, the focus is on pre-season testing. We have some away-days planned to try and beat the UK weather and I can’t wait to get stuck in!”
Team Manager Oly Collins was impressed with Jordan’s first outing, adding that he was also thankful for the unusually mild and dry weather for mid-November in the UK.
“It’s great to welcome Andrew to the team and today was the ideal first test for him,” said Collins. “The conditions were extremely good for this time of year – mild and dry – so what was going to be just an initial run in the car turned into quite a productive test.
“It’s rare to able to do so much meaningful running prior to the cold weather and it’s given us a great understanding of how Andrew likes the car. He settled in to the team very well, as we all expected him to, and he was full of praise for our car as a complete package. It’s a fresh comparison of what he’s been used to for the last year and it’s encouraging to hear that the Focus performed as well for him.
“There is no doubting Andrew’s ability and experience so there was no concern from any of us prior to the test and we all enjoyed the day getting to know each other.
“There’s a real buzz around the team at the moment and we’re all keen to get next year’s campaign underway properly. There’s a lot of work still to do, but we’re starting early and ready to get going; 2016 starts here!”