BMW Pirtek Racing’s Andrew Jordan is looking to return to form at Hampshire's Thruxton Circuit this weekend (6-7 May) for Rounds 7, 8 and 9 of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.
Jordan heads into the weekend sitting seventh in the standings after a challenging outing on home soil at Donington Park last time around. That came in contrast to what was a stunning victory on his first competitive outing in the BMW at Brands Hatch last month, which launched him into contention for a second BTCC crown to add to the one he claimed in 2013.
In Leicestershire, despite showing strong pace throughout at the wheel of his West Surrey Racing-run BMW 125i M Sport, Jordan was limited to a brace of 15th place finishes – with contact from other drivers in two of the three races hampering his challenge.
Eager to put the Donington weekend behind him, the Midlander is seeking a second victory of the season at a circuit where he has traditionally gone well in the past.
In five of the last six seasons, in fact, he has left Hampshire with at least a podium finish to his name, including one 12 months ago when he secured an impressive victory in the second race of the weekend.
Pre-event testing at Britain's fastest circuit a fortnight ago saw the Pirtek-liveried machine set the fastest lap amongst the rear-wheel drive runners, with the 27-year-old now hoping to convert his pace into three strong results come race day.
“Donington last time out was a tough weekend as we showed great pace with the BMW but just didn’t have any luck,” said Jordan. “That’s behind us now, and the focus is firmly on securing the best results possible when we get to Thruxton.
“Its my favourite circuit on the calendar and it holds some great memories for me – and has provided a few highlights on YouTube of some ‘on the edge’ laps across the years! It’s a circuit that I am always excited about visiting, and this season is no different.
“Getting Church corner just right feels amazing and can set you up with a slipstream for a real passing opportunity at the chicane, but it takes huge commitment.
“One of the big strengths of the BMW is that it is good on its tyres, which is something that is particularly important over a race distance at Thruxton. My aim is to maintain the strong record I have shown there in the past and challenge for podium finishes, and obviously to try and secure a victory for a second successive season.
“After the disappointment of Donington, where we didn’t get the results our pace deserved, this is where we’ll aim to get our championship assault back on track.”
Qualifying will be broadcast live at itv.com/btcc on Saturday 6 May from 1600, the first of three BTCC races will be at 12.12 on Sunday, with race two at 14.32 and race three at 17.17. All of Sunday's action will be live on ITV4, ITV Hub and at itv.com/btcc.
