Let’s meet... Jordan King

With 21 races of this year’s season contested, he has secured five podiums and holds sixth position in the championship – but still is waiting for his first win.

What is your interim conclusion with 21 races of the season contested? We made a good start into the season but then, I encountered several technical problems neither me nor my team could control. These problems cost me several points and that’s the reason why I’m only sixth in the championship, at this point in time. Since the Norisring weekend, however, things are running really well again and therefore, I will push as hard as I can, in the coming races.

Why did you opt for continuing to race in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship? In 2013 I contested my FIA Formula 3 European Championship debut season and was very successful. In the end, I finished the season as best rookie on the grid. But despite this success I was convinced that I still could learn quite a lot in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship and so, I opted for staying here for a second season. Furthermore, Formula 3 is a category offering you the opportunity to learn a lot about the technology as the teams are allowed to enhance their cars independently, here. And these are the skills you also need in Formula 1.”

What makes the FIA Formula 3 European Championship special, from your point of view? The FIA Formula 3 European Championship is contested by many drivers and usually, the gaps between the drivers are tiny – particularly in the qualifying sessions. The competitiveness level is really high.

What was your reason for staying in the Team Carlin camp? 2013, our first joint Formula 3 season, was successful and so, I didn’t see any reason why we shouldn’t continue this way, this year. Furthermore, I know the mechanics, engineers and all the other team members. I didn’t have to familiarise myself with a new team and a new approach. The fact that I’m British and am driving for a British team makes the team-internal communication somewhat easier but it goes without saying that I’d also race for a team from another country.

Could you please describe your goals for the 2014 season? Actually, I wanted to battle it out for the title but after the first half of the season I arguably will have to readapt my goals. I’m not ready to give up at this point in time but closing in on Esteban Ocon and Max Verstappen in the championship will be extremely difficult. My realistic goals now are to secure race wins and make it to the top three in the championship.

What circuits on the 2014 calendar do you particularly like? To be honest, I haven’t got a favourite circuit. I like all the racetracks I am fast on.

FIA Formula 3