The Motorbase Performance Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship team has announced a parting of ways with Pirtek Racing driver Andrew Jordan ‘by mutual consent’ (October 18).
Jordan joined the Motorbase squad shortly after the closing rounds of the 2015 season and has enjoyed a successful maiden season with the Wrotham-based outfit. Following a winless year with MG - the 27-year-old returned to the top step of the podium in the Motorbase Ford Focus ST - taking two outright wins and a trio of podiums on his way to securing his third Independent Drivers’ Title at Brands Hatch earlier this month.
“It’s been a great year for Andrew and the team securing our first Drivers Championship and his 3rd” remarked Team Principal David Bartrum. “It’s a real shame that we won’t be continuing together as we really got on well with Andrew and he settled into the team very well but the decision to part ways has not been taken lightly by either party and is based purely on commercial reasons.
“There are a good deal of things that need to come together to make a deal in the BTCC work;” explains Bartrum. “For a number of reasons, unfortunately a few pieces of the jigsaw currently don’t fit so both we [Motorbase] and Andrew need to look at making that work elsewhere.
“I’m very satisfied with the job we did for Andrew and Pirtek this season. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Andrew and his sponsors and wish them well.”
Pirtek-backed racer Jordan added; “I’ve genuinely loved my time with the team this year and made some good friends along the way. It’s a shame not to be carrying on but it’s simply a commercial decision and there’s nothing more sinister to it.”
“I think it’s important that people remember that most teams and drivers in the BTCC are commercially funded through sponsorship and all parties need to make sure that our partners get what they need out of the package;” continued Jordan. “I need certain things for my sponsors and David [Bartrum] needs the same for Motorbase – that’s just the way it is.
“It was great to be back on the top step of the podium again this year and I’ve had a really fun time with the team. Being part of Motorbase’s first BTCC title win was really special and I wish the team well for the future.”
Independent Teams’ Champions Motorbase Performance will now pursue other options to fill the highly-prized seat the Red Bull athlete has vacated as the squad looks to continue its preparations for a strong assault on the 2017 overall Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship crown.
