Andrew Jordan: “The title isn’t over just yet”

Andrew Jordan says taking a second BTCC title isn’t out of the question in 2015 but he will need to “step it up” in the final nine races if he is to repeat his 2013 glories.

Triple Eight Racing’s Jordan enters the Rockingham weekend fifth in the standings, 30 points behind leader Jason Plato in the Team BMR Volkswagen CC.

And while an ultra-consistent approach has led to plenty of podiums and top five finishes, the Midlander knows he will need to be at the very front of the grid this weekend to be in with a chance at Brands Hatch next month.

“We should be strong but we can’t rely on how the car performed there last season because everyone has moved forward. I’m feeling confident though, Knockhill was a really good weekend for me in terms of the pace we showed and I’ll admit that my performance behind the wheel was the best it has been all season,” said Jordan.

“It’s important that we come out of the box and hit the ground running in practice. As a team we’ve kept our heads down since the summer break and have made progress; hopefully that will be shown in what we can achieve at Rockingham. We’re 30 points behind the championship leader now so we have to step it up in these last three events; it isn’t over just yet.

“Rockingham is a circuit I enjoy and obviously have good memories there having won twice in 2013. It also provides a really interesting challenge in terms of having to be committed through Turn One and then technical on the infield, it’s a real drivers’ circuit. Tyre wear is usually quite high so we need to be mindful of that as well, but it produces some great racing and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Rockingham has previously been a happy hunting ground for the MG 6GT, and team principal Ian Harrison said there was no reason this couldn’t be repeated in 2015.

“Going on our results in the past at Rockingham there is no reason why we shouldn’t be right at the pointy end of the grid,” said Harrison.

“Everyone has obviously moved forward but so have we and it is up to us to produce a bloody quick car in qualifying and get up the front to ensure we can challenge for podiums. The championship is a lot closer than last year so qualifying performance requires more focus than ever.”