“Better than expected” initial tests for Andrew Jordan

Andrew Jordan insisted his first tests in West Surrey Racing’s BMW 125i M Sport had gone ‘better than expected’ after the reigning BTCC Independents’ champion enjoyed three successful days of running with his new team.

Jordan hit the track at Brands Hatch, Donington Park and Silverstone to sample the car he will race next season, having elected to join WSR on a two-year deal following his departure from Motorbase Performance.

After changeable conditions at Brands Hatch, Jordan was able to enjoy dry running on the second and third days of testing – completing more than 400 miles as he got to grips with both the car and to his new team.

Further testing is planned in the New Year once updates have been made to the BMW package, with his full Pirtek Racing livery also set to be revealed after Christmas.

“It’s been a good start to life with WSR and the BMW, and if I’m being honest, it’s gone better than I thought it would do at this stage,” he said. “When you are starting your testing programme at this time of year, you never know what the weather will throw at you, so to get one wet day and then two in the dry has been perfect. It’s allowed me to gain a good early understanding of the car in different conditions and it didn’t take long to feel comfortable behind the wheel.

“From the moment I drove out of the pits at Brands Hatch, it was clear to see the level of engineering that has gone into the car and I found it easier to adapt than I expected having only raced front-wheel drive touring cars in the past. I’ve also been able to start building relationships with the team around me, which is another important thing at this stage, so it’s certainly been mission accomplished as far as I’m concerned and I’m really pleased with how things panned out.

“The team is now flat out with development work back at the factory to prepare for 2017, and I can’t wait to see the BMW in its full Pirtek Racing colours in the New Year.”