Sam Tordoff matches expectations with pole

Sam Tordoff was glad to shake off the pressure and continue his run of form as he took pole position for West Surrey Racing at Croft.

Tordoff, who comes off the back of victory in race three at Oulton Park, said he felt that the pressure was on himself and his West Surrey Racing teammates as the series visited a BMW friendly circuit.

The three WSR BMWs took first, second and fourth, with Tordoff beating Andy Priaulx to pole right at the end of the session by less than a tenth of a second.

“I’m really happy,” Tordoff told TouringCarTimes. “Confidence is high at the moment and it’s great to come off the back of Oulton Park and do that. We knew it was going to be a BMW friendly circuit, but in a strange kind of way that breeds a lot of pressure and expectation. We’re expected to dominate here and arriving with that pressure is not a good thing and we certainly delivered. To be one, two and four is a testament to how good the car is around here.”

The BMWs have been at the top of the time sheets all day, only being beaten by a last gasp lap from the Toyota Avensis of Tom Ingram in FP1. Additionally, Rob Austin has enjoyed strong pace all day, showing the Croft circuit favours those with rear-wheel-drive.

“It’s always been a rear-wheel-drive friendly circuit,” explained Tordoff. “I think the layout lends itself to it and then it’s a very abrasive circuit and tyre wear will be crucial. The way that we’re kind to our tyres suits us down to the ground here and I think tomorrow is about getting a good start, maximising that and settling down.”