Andrew Jordan collected a second podium in as many Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship meetings last weekend at Thruxton, but insisted that there are still improvements to be made to fight for the title in his maiden season with Triple Eight.
The former BTCC champion’s 11th place in Saturday’s qualifying session ended his run of three consecutive pole positions at the Hampshire circuit, although consistent results of sixth and seventh on Sunday afternoon were backed up by second place for Jordan behind race three winner, Adam Morgan.
Despite picking up further silverware to maintain a consistent start to the season, handling issues for the MG driver left him scratching his head as the team look to unlock pace improvements to challenge for their first victory of 2015.
Speaking after collecting a second podium in nine races, Jordan admitted that both himself and Triple Eight are ready to work hard on improving the pace and handling of the MG6 GT heading towards rounds 10, 11 and 12 from Oulton Park.
“A good end to a frustrating weekend”, Jordan commented after his visit to the podium, still lying fifth in the championship and only 15 points adrift of series leader, Gordon Shedden.
“We struggled, but it’s still nice to come away with some silverware and be still in the title hunt. We need more pace though. We’ll go away and work on it.
“In qualifying it was high-speed oversteer issues, and you need stability around [Thruxton].”
“I was surprised”, Jordan said when questioned of MG’s pace at Thruxton. “But you’re here to do a job so you get on with it, make the best of it and, if you had said on Saturday night that I’d get a podium, then I’d have been surprised.”
Despite results failing to match Jordan’s expectations thus far after three meetings, the 2013 BTCC champion insisted that, with another 21 races still to come, his championship position gives him the drive to find improvements.
“Frustrating”, Jordan answered when summing up his opening three meetings. “We’re in the mix through consistency, not necessarily down to outright speed. From my point of view I want to be scoring podiums on a more regular basis. But it’s good to go into the break with another podium – it’s a long season yet, a lot can happen.
“I’m not going to get down about it. You’ve got to just keep your head down and keep at it. I’ll go away and work with the team on it to step into next gear now.”
MG and Jordan – then driving a Honda Civic – were both successful at Oulton Park two seasons ago in 2013, the Cheshire venue next on the calendar across 6/7 June.
On his chances of again fighting for silverware, Jordan added: “Yes; we’ve got some good data and a good set-up from [Oulton Park], but the thing to remember is that everything moves on. If we rolled out there with last year’s set-up then it won’t work anymore in this game. It’s evolving all the time.”
