Andrew Jordan was pleased with his qualifying efforts for the opening British Touring Car Championship round at Brands Hatch, where the BMW Pirtek Racing driver put his new 330i M Sport in fourth.
Jordan, who had earlier set the pace in the first free practice session of the season in mixed weather conditions, was fourth fastest, surrounded by BMW team-mates Colin Turkington ahead and Tom Oliphant behind.
The 2013 champion was pleased with the team’s qualifying efforts in the new car, praising the efforts of his WSR mechanics who are still working out how to get the best out of the new chassis.
“This was a great result for us,” said Jordan. “It was a busy session, and of course it was the first time that we had run in the wet conditions, so all the BMW 330i M Sport drivers tried different things to see what worked to maximise the time potential.
“My best run was my middle run, between the red flags, and the car felt pretty good. We will keep working on it and it’s early days yet for such a new machine.
“The guys have done a fantastic job with the car, and certainly the pace we have been able to display – particularly in the dry – is very strong and that is a real indicator of this new car’s potential.”
WSR Team Principal Dick Bennetts is expecting Jordan, who won at Brands Hatch Indy two years ago on his début in BMW machinery, to perform well if the weather is dry in Sunday’s races.
“We’d never had wets on the car until qualifying, so this is a very positive result,” added Bennetts. “I think in time this car will suit AJ’s driving style very well and his pace today proved that.
“As we learn more about the BMW 330i M Sport, I think we will see him just get stronger and stronger. That being said he looks in good shape tomorrow; particularly if it’s dry.”