Andrew Jordan aiming for consistency in 2012

The Eurotech Racing NGTC Honda Civics were both on track during the test session at the British Touring Car Championship media day at Silverstone on Monday. TcT spoke to Andrew Jordan after the session about the new Civic, Eurotech’s collaboration with the Honda Yuasa Racing Team and his expectations and approach for the 2012 season.

TcT: Tell us about your new Civic?
“It’s a work in progress, which is the same with any new car. I think with this one there have been a few more problems to iron out because Honda can’t just make their own bits to solve the problem. They have to go through TOCA to sort it. That’s taking a while so at the minute we’re all just trying different things. Then before the first race we’ll come together and agree on what is best and we’ll all have the same things.”

TcT: So has there been a lot of collaboration between Eurotech Racing and Honda Yuasa Racing?
“There has been a lot. Our cars were built there, our guys went down there and built them with those guys and we get all their setup stuff all their data and vice versa. It’s in their interest as well as ours to have the extra data, but also to have four cars trying different things. Everyone has had limited worthwhile testing so it’s better to have more cars trying things. You’ve have to take test days with a pinch of salt because we’re all trying different setups and stuff. Then before the first race we should all be singing off the same hymn sheet. It’s good.”

TcT: So you’re already looking at Honda’s data?
“Yes. At Brands when I was there they actually came and got our data first. That was a sign I must have been doing something quite well! Then we got their data and vice versa. It’s good because as a young driver it’s nice to be able to learn as much as possible. I learnt a lot when I was at Vauxhall. So now again I have guys that I can learn off and learn different things. Hopefully if you can use their strengths to help your weaknesses then it can only make you better.”

TcT: Can you see improvement from it already?
“Yeah definitely. Frankly at the level Matt and Gordon are at and the level that I’m at you’re never going to look at the data and for instance Matt’s going to be quicker on every corner and every braking area than Gordon or me. There’s going to be pros and cons. It is different driving styles and one corner may hurt another one and there are different lines and stuff. So you’ll always be able to pick something up and maybe compromise your approach a little bit to take that on board and help it in general. So it’s good to have them, but it’s close to the first race and we’ve got a long way to go.”

TcT: What are your expectations for the 2012 season?
“To be honest when we first said we were getting this car our expectation was to get a win and some podiums. Now with the testing issues we need to be reliable and we need to finish. If we could get three top six finishes that would be a good start. Last year I had two DNFs when we were on for podiums. We need a good first round to build on later on in the season. We just need to make sure we’re consistent and hopefully consistently quick. That’s got to be our aim. I need to address that as I wasn’t as consistent as I should probably have been last year. The speed is never really an issue it’s more about keeping the consistency, scoring points and knowing when to back out of a gap and when to go for one.”

TcT: So you’ll be thinking about your approach more this year?
“I always want to get the best result as does everyone, but sometimes I’m sure Matt and the more experienced guys would know when probably isn’t the best time to go for a lunge. I’m only 22 so I’m still learning the ropes. I think the biggest thing is keeping it consistent, which I’m sure we’ll be able to do.”