Brit Oliver Rowland says his first Formula E podium is the best of his career
BRIT Oliver Rowland says his first Formula E podium was the best of his career.
The Nissan star finished second after also grabbing his maiden pole position in his rookie season of the all-electric series in the Sanya ePrix.
The Barnsley-born driver said: “Definitely (this is my best podium), it’s nice to see all the people.
“I have watched Formula E for a long time and the podium ceremony always looks the best.
“Although I was a bit disappointed after the race, it was only because the win was there for the taking today.
“But when I went up there it was nice and it was kind of a monkey off my back.
“Before the race I was really worried because I wanted to bring some points home after three double DNFs for the team, so I felt the pressure.”
Rowland finished close behind Vergne but agreed with team orders to settle for second rather than take a risk and battle for the win.
He added: “I said to the team on the radio, ‘what do you want me to do, go for the win or keep second?’
“They said keep second, which I kind of agreed with, but I just wanted to know if I had the green light to try.
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“After that I tried to back off him so he didn’t defend, because my worry was that if I was too close he would start defending and then everyone is backed up behind me.
“So I just backed off from him and then on the last lap I made a huge mistake on turn one and nearly crashed into the wall.
“I was just thinking ‘bring this home’, and I lost my head and I hit the curb and lost my steering and was nearly in the wall and I was like ‘f***’.”