Jordan parts ways with long-time sponsor Pirtek

The West Surrey Racing BMW driver has carried Pirtek backing since he joined the series in a family-run Honda Integra in 2008. He claimed the title in 2013 in a Honda Civic Type R.

Jordan, 29, said the current deal with Pirtek, which produces hydraulic hoses and fittings, will finish at the end of 2019.

“I have had a brilliant run and I can’t complain about anything: I have had years as a professional driver with Pirtek, and it has been a fantastic partnership," said Jordan. "But these things come to an end and I understand why.

“It means my future is very unclear. My prime aim would be to remain in the BTCC with BMW and with WSR, but I know the commercial reality behind it.

"The good thing is that every party is aware of what it happening and we are all on the same page."

Podium race 2: winner Andrew Jordan, WSR BMW

Photo by: JEP / LAT Images

The 21-time BTCC race winner, who took a victory in the opening meeting of the season at Brands Hatch, said that he was exploring all options for his future alongside the BTCC.

His family Jordan Racing Team has a highly successful business running history cars and he has also tied up a deal to race in several rallycross events this year.

Jordan was the first British driver to finish on the podium in the World Rallycross Championship when he took a OlsbergsMSE Ford Fiesta to third place at Lydden Hill in 2014.

“If this is my last season in the BTCC, I will look back on it with nothing but fond memories,” said Jordan. “If I can go into Brands Hatch at the end of the season in with a chance of winning the title, that will be even better. But I have reached some really high points with the BTCC and it is always in my heart.

“It is too early to say what I will do next year, but I have other options and I will consider them all in time. I have some irons in the fire.”

Jordan has recovered from an accident in the last BTCC meeting at Donington Park in which his car, which had been pitched into a spin, was hit twice in the drivers’ door.

He was hospitalised as a result of the crash but escaped with only bruising.