Motorbase Performance and Andrew Jordan have today announced an amicable parting of ways ‘by mutual consent’.
Jordan joined the Motorbase squad shortly after the closing rounds of the 2015 season and has enjoyed a successful maiden season with the Wrotham-based outfit. The 27-year-old returned to the top step of the podium in the Motorbase Ford Focus ST – taking two outright wins and a trio of podiums on his way to securing his third Independent Drivers’ Title at Brands Hatch earlier this month.
“It’s been a great year for Andrew and the team – securing our first Drivers Championship and his third (Independents'),” remarked Team Principal David Bartrum. “It’s a real shame that we won’t be continuing together as we really got on well with Andrew and he settled into the team very well but the decision to part ways has not been taken lightly by either party and is based purely on commercial reasons.
“There are a good deal of things that need to come together to make a deal in the BTCC work,” explains Bartrum. “For a number of reasons, unfortunately a few pieces of the jigsaw currently don’t fit so both we [Motorbase] and Andrew need to look at making that work elsewhere.
“I’m very satisfied with the job we did for Andrew and Pirtek this season. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Andrew and his sponsors and wish them well.”
Jordan and Pirtek Racing have been quick to confirm they are eyeing new and exciting opportunities in the BTCC for 2017.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Motorbase; they are a fantastic team and I take a huge sense of pride in the fact that I played a part in helping them to secure their first BTCC titles this year,” Andrew said. “We’ve obviously been in talks with them for some time about 2017, but we have reached the point where it has become apparent that a deal isn’t going to be possible.
“Any deal I do has to be one that works commercially for my sponsors and there were certain things me and my sponsors needed from it, and certain things that the team needed.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to tick all the boxes to make that deal possible, but we split on amicable terms and I wish David [Bartrum] and the team all the best for the future.
“On a personal level, while it is a shame that we couldn’t agree a deal with Motorbase, there are some very exciting irons in the fire for 2017.
“Talks are ongoing about a programme that would be fantastic for both myself, as well as for Pirtek and my other sponsors. I’m certainly very confident that we will be able to build on the success that we have enjoyed this year when the new season comes around.”
Further news on Motorbase Performance and Pirtek Racing’s 2017 BTCC programmes will be released in due course.
