BTCC champion Andrew Jordan: “The title is unreal”

Andrew Jordan has hailed his maiden BTCC title as “unreal” – and says it hasn’t sunk in what he has achieved yet.

The Eurotech Racing driver wrapped up the championship in the 30th and final race of the season, after a drama-filled finals day at a sodden Brands Hatch.

A first DNF of the season in race two meant he had to battle through from the back in the finale, which he did with aplomb, to finish ninth and set fastest lap along the way.

All of the emotions of a long season came pouring out on the slowing down lap, as the 24-year-old burst into tears as he came to terms with what he had achieved.

But in his own words, there is “no rest for the wicked” – Jordan and the team will be back out testing at Donington Park on Thursday, the first preparations for a title defence in 2014.

Speaking to TouringCarTimes, Jordan said: “”It is unreal. It hasn’t really sunk in yet, to be honest.

“Today has been up and down, and after race two it wasn’t looking too good. At the end it was just relief really – that is what we have worked for all year.

“I have felt a lot of pressure over the last few weeks since Silverstone, and I have been very tense. To get the weight lifted off my back was just incredible.

“To win it in the last race in the way we did, after all that excitement and tension, was special.”

Jordan’s weekend became tougher after being eliminated in a second race accident – but said this cleared his head before the all-important finale.

He said: “I was the most relaxed I’ve been for the last couple of weeks before race three. I was driving my own race and did some good, clean moves. Everybody gave me room, which was really nice.”

So what has been the secret to Jordan’s success in 2013?

He said: “I’ve been quicker, I’ve been more consistent and I’ve won more races than I have before.

“We don’t get too hung up on the fact that we are an independent, not a manufacturer. We are a team and a group of people with a car, and we do the best we can.”

After the party has died down, thoughts will quickly turn to a title defence in 2014.

Jordan said: “We are testing next week to come back and do it again, but I am going to enjoy this for the winter.

“I’m doing touring cars for the next two years with Pirtek, so to have that stability is fantastic.”