News Article
Jordan King to start fifth for Rockingham opener
Jordan King was left ‘slightly disappointed’ despite claiming a decent fifth in the opening CERTINA Formula Renault 2.0 UK qualifying session at Rockingham.
King endured an indifferent test day on Friday after admitting he failed to get the best out of his fresh tyres, although he was the quickest driver overall on used rubber. Confident that his speed and consistency would put him in the fight at the front for qualifying, King seemingly produced the goods at the Corby venue on Saturday morning.
His lap time of 1:15.803s was just over two tenths slower than pole-sitter Ollie Rowland, but it was only good enough for fifth on the grid at the finish. His time however, an incredibly close 0.013s behind second row starter Dan Wells, proves he has the pace to be fighting for his second series podium of the season.
King was keen to stress he could fight his way forward as long as he qualified in the first two or three rows, and he’s accomplished that first target. Despite his position, King felt he should have had the speed to make the front row.
“I’m a bit disappointed but the reassuring thing is that the times are so close, and I’m sure there’s more to come,” he said. “I’m top Manor driver, which is nice, but we just need to look at where we’re missing out compared to the others. I was held up by a backmarker on my quickest lap, which I’m not particularly happy about, but it all bodes well for the second session later today.”
Despite his confidence ahead of the final session, King was out of luck again as his team misjudged an incoming weather front. Lingering towards the rear of the field, King began his first flying lap just as rain began to fall in Corby. His rivals had already set a reprentitive lap and King couldn’t improve in the tricky conditions – leaving him down on the sixth row of the grid with his equally frustrated team-mate Alice Powell.
Tomorrow’s race double-header take place at 10:40 and 16:00 respectively, with the second contest being screened live and in high definition on ITV4. Jordan will be hoping to make progress from 5th and 11th on the grid in the two races, and his official website will keep you right up to date with all the action.
