Following his third-place-finish in the Jeddah E-Prix, Oliver Rowland encouraged his team to carry their confidence into the following round in Madrid after a difficult few races for his Nissan team.
Confidence from Jeddah E-Prix for Rowland despite difficult races
Having failed to score points in the last two races, the British driver lept up to third in the championship following his podium in Jeddah.
Two podiums in the opening two rounds were overshadowed by a dismal performance in Miami and the opening race in Jeddah with Rowland’s confidence clearly knocked.
“I was pretty down and disappointed and lacking a bit of confidence after the last couple of races,” admitted Rowland after the Jeddah E-Prix.
“I was really happy with the car and the race. We had a good balance, I lacked efficiency compared to Da Costa but it was a much better day. I thought it was really important to come back with something good.”
Sitting just 19 points adrift of championship leader Pascal Wehrlein, the Season 11 champion highlighted the importance of him and Nissan carrying the momentum from Jeddah into Round 6 in Madrid.
“We have to be positive and take the confidence from today’s podium,” said Rowland. “Over one lap it should be good. We weren’t the most competitive when we went there last time. We need to analyse a lot over the next few weeks and make some small improvements.”
Support from young protégé Lindblad for Rowland in Jeddah
Sitting in the wings in Jeddah ahead of his Formula 1 debut was Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad, supporting his mentor Rowland.
The 18 year-old has had his fellow British driver alongside him for the majority of his career with Rowland guiding him up the motorsport ladder.
“I’ve been there for him for a long time,” Rowland explained. “He asked me if he could come this weekend. I think he just wanted to come support me.”
“I’m obviously doing eight of the first ten Formula E races with him so I’m looking forward to Melbourne. I think he wanted to come and show his support for what I do, the same way that I do with him.”
“Of course, if I can be there in any capacity for him, I will be.”
