OLIVER Rowland saw his lead cut slightly during a tough weekend in Shanghai, but is still in a strong position after 11 of the 16 Formula E races this season.

The 31-year-old from Penistone finished fifth then 13th in China, meaning he is now 68 points clear in first – having been 77 ahead after a run of podium finishes.

Rowland qualified for the first race in sixth then finished fifth, having been up in the promotion places – increasing his lead to 86.

But it was cut in the second race which he qualified for in 17th, in very wet weather, then made up four places.

The next race is in Jakarta, Indonesia on June 21.

The season then concludes with double-headers in Berlin and London in July.

Rowland’s team Nissan are second in the team’s championship, a point off top, and winning the manufacturers’ series.

Rowland said: “It’s disappointing but, to be honest, the second race was one of the hardest races I’ve ever done.

“There was such limited visibility due to the spray, so it was just not possible to do any more.

“Despite that, the weekend overall has still been a positive one, taking a good amount of points at a track that isn’t my favourite.

“We still remain in strong contention for all three championships, which is the focus heading into the final part of the season.”