Q and A with Jordan King

Jordan King. Like most European drivers he is bankrolled by his wealthy father, J Sainsbury Chief Executive Justin King

Fresh from his appearance at the Masters of Formula Three at Zandvoort we caught up with Jordan King to find out how his season is progressing. This year sees the British racer competing in both the FIA Formula Three European Championship, in which he is currently the highest placed rookie, and British F3 Series, while also finding time to compete in a couple of triathlons along the way…

How did you find your first Masters F3 experience?

There was definitely a lot to take on board; different tires and jumping back in the car having not driven it for a while. Overall I think that the weekend went well and we had really good speed throughout. Qualifying however was a little disappointing which put us a little bit further down the order than we should have been for the start of the race but I think it was a great weekend and I’m pleased with our performance.

You now look ahead to the next round of the FIA F3 European championship at Norisring; is this a track you’ve experienced before?

I’ve never driven it before but I’ve done a bit of time on the simulator and watched a few of the previous races to get an idea about it. From what I can see it reminds me a little of Brands Hatch in the respect that it has very few corners so I think finding time, if you need to, may be a little difficult. It’s going to be a tricky weekend however that’s all part of this season and I’m looking forward to getting out racing again.

You’re currently lying eighth in the championship, and top rookie, how would you describe your season?

I think the season has gone really well so far for us. The speed has been perfect and I’ve only really dropped points through little mistakes and through people making contact with me. I’ve been a little cautious in some aspects to make sure I get points but I’m the top rookie in the championship and feel as though I’m getting stronger each weekend. Now we have to build on this and continue to score good points.

After Red Bull ring you had a little bit of a gap, how did you spend the time?

I kept myself quite busy; I went on holiday to the Greek Islands which was an amazing break however I have also spent a lot of my time back home training. I took part in a triathlon last month and am doing one next week when I get back from Norisring too – so that definitely keeps you fit because it’s so tough!
I also took part in the Henry Surtees Karting Challenge with Carlin which was for a great cause and was good fun. Other than that it really has been a case of other media work and lots of training!

How do you feel F3 is helping you as a racing driver?

I feel it’s helping me a lot. It’s the first step up to a really professional team and it feels as though you’re making your way up a very well respected ladder in racing. You get your own engineer and two mechanics who you work with all season. Every little detail is looked at – so you have the aerodynamics and the mechanical side closely analyzed and worked on. You’re able to do so much more with the cars than I’m used to which is great and you start to really get a feel for how much effort goes into getting a car out on track; it’s a real insight.

What are you most proud of this season?

There isn’t really one defining moment. I’m pleased with so many things. It’s nice to have won in the British Series and also to have taken a podium in the FIA Formula Three European championship. Overall it’s very encouraging to be fast and also know that after two weeks away from the car you can jump back in, feel at home and have a solid weekend.