Learning experience for Maidstone powerboat star Ben Jelf as he travels to China for second round of World Championship

Ben Jelf was in China for the second round of the UIM F1H20 World Championships.

He made a 10,500-mile round trip for the Grand Prix of Zhengzhou.

The 22-year-old, from Maidstone, made a flying start from 18th on the grid, making up four places by the first turn.

But disaster struck when a propeller blade broke, causing him to lose speed.

He headed back to the pontoon and a quick change from his F1 Atlantic Team saw him rejoin the race.

Further bad luck followed on lap 14 of the 38-lap race when his engine blew a rod and he was classified 17th.

Jelf said: “It's been a great event, we got a fantastic welcome from the City of Zhengzhou and the venue is fantastic for racing. It created some really testing conditions for all the drivers.

“It wasn't the result we wanted for the team but unfortunately sometimes things just don't go your way. But we have taken a lot away from the week.

“Despite over 50 years of racing history as a team we still learn every time the boat hits the water. So we will take what we have learnt this week and build on it for the next event."

The next round takes place in Macon, France, on July 1-2.