BMW Pirtek Racing’s Andrew Jordan is confident of challenging for wins and podiums in this weekend’s British Touring Car Championship races at Donington Park, after a strong showing in the season opener three weeks’ ago.
Jordan heads to his home circuit eighth overall in the standings, having claimed victory in race two at Brands Hatch.
He could have been higher, but for changeable weather conditions in race one and being forced to pit to remove damaged bodywork in race three.
Despite the limited testing before the first meeting, and only a brief chance to show his true pace in qualifying and race two, Jordan heads to Donington Park in high spirits.
“Obviously it felt amazing to give the new 3 Series a win on its debut weekend,” said Jordan. “The team at WSR have worked so hard to build the cars since Christmas.
“What I’ve experienced, both in the small number of test days I’ve done, and at Brands Hatch, is something that instantly feels more suited to my driving style than the old car.
“I’ve had a lot of podiums at Donington, although not in the past couple of seasons; though that’s been more down to circumstance than a lack of speed, so I’m confident that we can build on what we did at Brands Hatch, bank some good points and move up the championship table.”
Jordan will carry just 12 kg of success ballast this weekend and is expecting to perform well, even though he hasn’t won at the Leicestershire circuit since 2013.
“I think we’re looking in strong shape. We don’t carry much weight going to Donington and I think we should be particularly quick in race trim. I’m feeling positive and am really looking forward to it.
“It’s my home circuit and I do feel the support from family and friends in the crowd, but I can’t say that makes me push any harder – I already give it my all everywhere we go.
“My target is wins and podium finishes, and I don’t see any reason why that shouldn’t be achievable.”
WSR Team Principal Dick Bennetts was cautious about predicting further wins, given that Donington Park has tended to favour front-wheel drive cars in recent years.
“Thruxton testing went well for us,” said Bennetts, “and has enabled the team to take a step forwards with the car, which is still extremely new.
“While Donington tends to favour front-wheel-drive cars, we’ve had some wins and podiums there over the past couple of years and with the 3 Series having a longer wheelbase than the old car, it should suit us a bit better this time. We’ll give it our all, whatever happens.”