Motopark’s Yevan David made a remarkable debut in the Euroformula Open at Monza, becoming the first Sri Lankan driver to compete in the category. The 17-year-old, who advanced from F4 racing, showcased his talent in challenging conditions, winning his first race on a damp track.
Key Highlights:
- Close Competition in Practice: David showed competitive pace in practice, with Jose Garfias leading with a 1m43.444s, just 0.05 seconds ahead of champion Brad Benavides. David was fourth, 0.744s behind the top.
- Tight Qualifying Session: Qualifying on a dry Saturday morning saw Brad Benavides taking pole position with 1m41.418s, narrowly edging out David by just 0.125 seconds. The competition remained fierce, with Garfias and Fernando Barrichello also closely behind.
- Wet Race Conditions: The first race took place in damp conditions, and David seized the opportunity. After cutting turn two with Garfias, David overtook Benavides at the della Roggia chicane to take the lead. Despite a few close calls, including a slip at Lesmo 2, David managed to maintain his position at the front.
- Fierce Mid-Race Battles: There were multiple battles behind David, including Benavides, Garfias, and Barrichello fighting for podium positions. As the race progressed, Barrichello closed in on David, setting up a thrilling conclusion.
- Dramatic Finish: In the final laps, David went off-track briefly but regained his lead after Barrichello encountered traffic. A late contact between Barrichello and David allowed the Sri Lankan driver to take victory, finishing 0.542 seconds ahead of Francesco Simonazzi.
David’s victory on his Euroformula debut at Monza not only marks a significant personal achievement but also places Sri Lanka on the motorsport map. His performance is expected to fuel more opportunities in higher racing categories.
Last modified: October 21, 2024