Andrew Jordan will continue to race for WSR in the 2020 British Touring Car Championship, forming part of an expanded Team BMW line-up alongside Colin Turkington and Tom Oliphant.
Jordan had revealed earlier this year that long-term backer Pirtek would not be renewing its title sponsorship for next season, leaving him potentially looking for new backing.
Now the 2013 champion, who finished as the runner-up to Turkington in the 2019 season, will receive backing from BMW as he lines up in the same colours as his two team-mates.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the BTCC next season as a Team BMW driver,” said Jordan. “I think it’s a powerful statement for BMW to have three cars all looking the same on the grid.
“I remember watching Steve Soper and Jo Winkelhock in these colours, so for me to now represent them too is something I’m really proud of.
“It seems trivial, but it’s going to feel really different putting on a white race suit – I’m excited and want to enjoy the whole experience.
“I’m under no illusions that I’ve been in a good position for the last decade with a primary backer behind me.”
Jordan, who won six times during the 2019 season and missed out on the overall title by just two points, admits that he was only really interested in staying at WSR for the 2020 title challenge.
“I was single-minded when it came to next season and hadn’t talked to anyone else, which is why I’m so honoured that BMW worked so hard to keep me on-board – I know there will have been loads of people knocking on their door for 2020.
“Having the same three drivers, team and engineers is good from a continuity point-of-view and I think that will help us to find more gains over the off-season.
“I hated coming so close this year – just two points shy – but by the same token, that is huge motivation moving forward. I’m raring to go and I’ll come out swinging with Team BMW behind me.”
2020 champion Turkington was also delighted to see Jordan remaining with the squad for next year.
“It’s great to see that Andrew has been able to stay with the team and has been rewarded for his performance,” said the Northern Irishman. “This is a positive step forward for our series and for Team BMW.
“He pushed me exceptionally hard last season, but this internal competition accelerates progress and ensures I put my best foot forward at all times.
“We work extremely well together within the team and I have been able to learn from him over the past few seasons.
“I’m sure he’s determined to take the title after coming so close, but equally, I’m in no mood to give it up.”
WSR Team Principal Dick Bennetts believes that WSR has the strongest-possible driver line-up for the 2020 season, which will be the second with the BMW 330i M Sport.
“I’m really pleased to be able to announce this news today,” said Bennetts. “AJ is one of the finest BTCC drivers not just of the current crop, but of this whole generation, and he showed incredible determination and fighting spirit this year to turn what could have been a complete loss after the Donington incident into a final-round battle for the championship.
“With Colin Turkington, Tom Oliphant and now AJ forming a three-pronged line-up and a BMW 330i M Sport that is undergoing a development programme during the winter, we have one of, if not the strongest line-ups in recent BTCC seasons and a car to challenge for more championships.
“Continuity is a key to success”