Jordan King is eyeing a full-on title tilt in the fiercely-contested FIA Formula 3 European Championship in 2014, after inking a deal to remain with Carlin off the back of a magnificent maiden campaign in the category last year.
Stunning observers with an irresistible blend of speed, racecraft and composure, the talented young Warwickshire single-seater ace stormed to the prestigious British Formula Three International Series crown in 2013 at the very first time of asking. Not only that, but he comfortably claimed leading rookie honours and a top six championship finish in Europe and set fastest lap in the end-of-year Macau Grand Prix showpiece.
His standout performances and consistently eye-catching results meant King was very much in-demand once the season drew to a close, but he has elected to re-affirm his allegiance to the ultra-successful Carlin outfit for a second consecutive campaign – what is likely to be the most important of his burgeoning career to-date.
“We obviously made tremendous progress and enjoyed a great year together in 2013,” reflected the highly-rated Stoneleigh-based hotshot, “and the team has put in a lot of time, effort and development over the winter to make sure 2014 is even better. I’m really settled at Carlin; I established an excellent relationship with all the guys pretty early on and my engineer Mark and I work together extremely well.
“That is already half the battle won, and when you’re targeting the championship, the importance of continuity can never be overstated – particularly with a number of other drivers chopping-and-changing teams. I’m confident we can go into the first round at Silverstone and really hit the ground running – and hopefully come away with a win under our belts on home turf to kick-start the season in style.”
Following that mid-April curtain-raiser at the celebrated ‘Home of British Motor Racing’, the calendar will take in ten further outings, six of which will similarly be held around either current or former Formula 1 circuits.
Imola and Pau are the only venues on the schedule that King has yet to visit, but the 19-year-old British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) SuperStar, MSA Team UK protégé and former McLaren Autosport Award finalist is nothing if not a fast learner and encouragingly, at the majority of the other tracks, he has previously ascended the podium. Pre-season testing will soon begin – and he is champing at the bit to climb back behind the wheel.
“I can’t wait to return to the cockpit now – I’m starting to get a bit twitchy after so long out of the car!” he quipped. “The rule changes this season – with new technical regulations and new engines, as well as some legendary circuits joining the calendar – inject an element of the unknown and will give some teams the opportunity to shake things up a bit. I honestly don’t think we’ll find out the true pecking-order until the first qualifying session.
“There’s no question that the FIA Formula 3 European Championship is the toughest F3 series around – I’m under absolutely no illusions about that – but the goal is clearly to win the title, with mini-objectives of strong results in the blue riband races like the Masters at Zandvoort and the Macau Grand Prix.
“Having such high-calibre team-mates means we can all learn from each other to the benefit of the entire team, but first-and-foremost, I need to concentrate on beating them and being the quickest Carlin driver before I can even think about beating anybody else. It will be key to be absolutely on top of my game right from the word ‘go’ – and that’s a challenge I’m relishing.”
“We’re very excited that Jordan will be staying with us for a second year,” added Carlin Racing Director Trevor Carlin, tipping the Hugo Boss brand ambassador to enjoy a stellar sophomore campaign at F3 level in 2014. “He is a very popular driver within the team and was genuinely impressive in his rookie season. We expect to be fighting for race wins from the very beginning.”
