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.

“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***’.”