Powerboat racer Ben Jelf returns to China this weekend for the penultimate round of the F1H2O World Championship.

Jelf, who came eighth in a curtailed Shanghai race a fortnight ago, takes part in the Grand Prix of Zhengzhou.

The Maidstone man is hoping to banish the memories of last year’s disastrous outing which saw him lose a propeller and his engine blow up.

He’s 10th in the standings, having scored points in every round, a run the F1 Atlantic driver is looking to continue.

“I have a different boat this year heading to Zhengzhou, so it will be interesting to see how the DAC hull performs at this event,” said Jelf.

Shanghai’s swells and relentless conditions provided difficult conditions for all the F1H2O fleet, and the race was curtailed on the grounds of safety meaning only half the championship points were awarded.

The racers will once again face taxing conditions that the Yellow River can produce but with more sheltered waters in the heart of Zhengzhou if the weather stays settled conditions will be much more readable and produce better racing conditions.

“The boat was managing well in Shanghai during the rough weather, so I am looking forward to really putting it through its paces this weekend with better conditions,” Jelf added.

“I picked up a little knock in Shanghai but it is feeling better already, and I am ready to fight for championship points.

“I must give a huge shoutout to all the team and our sponsors. This weekend’s event was an extremely late addition to the calendar and they have pulled it out the bag to ensure I can be there fighting for positions.

“I am eternally grateful for their support.”