David Returns to Spa with Front-Running Belief

Sri Lankan racing driver Yevan David heads to Spa-Francorchamps this weekend looking to build on his historic FIA Formula 3 breakthrough at Silverstone as he returns to a circuit that already holds special memories from his junior single-seater career.

The AIX Racing driver arrives in Belgium after the strongest weekend of his rookie FIA Formula 3 campaign, having taken his first points, first podium and first double-points finish at Silverstone. The result also made David the first Sri Lankan driver to stand on an FIA Formula 3 podium.

The short break between Silverstone and Spa also gave David the chance to celebrate his 19th birthday, but his focus has already shifted firmly back to the work required to keep progressing in one of motorsport’s most competitive junior categories.

Rather than allowing the Silverstone milestone to change his approach, David says the focus is now firmly on execution at Spa.

“Silverstone has obviously helped my confidence, but in terms of mindset I am treating Spa like any other weekend,” said David.

“Just because we had a good weekend does not mean we can become complacent. We still have to follow the same procedures, if not more, and stay grounded.”

“Silverstone is done now. Of course I have more confidence and I am looking forward, but the main thing is to stay focused on Spa.”

Spa-Francorchamps is a circuit David knows well. In Euroformula Open last season, he took pole position and won a dramatic opening race by just 0.07s after a final-lap battle, before adding another podium across the weekend.

Those memories give him extra confidence as he prepares for his first FIA Formula 3 appearance at the Belgian circuit.

“I remember a lot from that Spa weekend last year,” he said.

“Winning on the last lap at the last corner was an incredible feeling, but I also remember the qualifying lap. To get pole and feel so at peace with the car was very special.”

“The whole weekend was chaotic, fun and very memorable. Coming back here gives me confidence because I know how to drive this track fast. I know where I can gain time, where I can lose time and where I feel confident.”

“Spa is one of the best tracks in the world, so I am really excited for this weekend.”

The Belgian venue offers a demanding mix of long straights, elevation change, high-speed corners and technical low-speed sections, while unpredictable weather often adds another layer of complexity. David believes that combination can play to his strengths.

“Spa can suit me as a driver,” he said.

“There are high-speed, long corners, but also very slow-speed corners where you need a strong exit. It is a circuit that tests everything.”

“The changing conditions are also a big part of Spa. You have to be adaptable, and I feel that is one of my strengths — being able to adapt quickly and get to the limit.”

“There is always a chance of rain at Spa, and even when the percentage does not look high, a chance at Spa can feel like a very high chance. It can definitely create some interesting situations across the weekend.”

David also expects the familiar environment to help him reset after the emotion and attention that followed Silverstone. With his simulator base located at the circuit and family members set to attend, Spa carries something of a home-race feeling.

“It is important to have a familiar environment,” he said.

“You still go into the weekend with different focuses and expectations, but being somewhere familiar helps you stay in the right headspace.”

“Having my family there will help me switch off away from the track, and that can allow me to focus even better when I am driving.”

“In a way, Spa feels like another home race. Silverstone was special because a lot of my family is in the UK, and Spa is also where our simulator is, so I am very much looking forward to it.”

After Silverstone, David no longer needs to prove to himself that he can compete at the front in FIA Formula 3. Instead, he views Spa as an opportunity to repeat the process that allowed everything to come together two weeks ago.

“It does feel like more of a weekend where I just need to execute,” he said.

“Silverstone proved to others that I can compete at the front, but it also proved it to myself. When you start a new category, there is always a slight doubt about whether you can adapt to the car and the series.”

“I knew even before Silverstone that it was possible, but to solidify that belief and confidence was very positive.”

“This weekend is about focusing on the present, focusing on Spa, executing properly and learning as much as possible. That remains the same objective.”

The FIA Formula 3 Championship continues at Spa-Francorchamps from 17–19 July, with David looking to turn his Silverstone breakthrough into sustained front-running form at one of motorsport’s most celebrated circuits.

Yevan David’s racing is supported by Lion Beer 0.0% Maliban,Dimo Group,Nations Trust Bank, and theCeylon Motor Sports Club (CMSC).

FIA Formula 3 action at Spa starts with practice (09:55-10:40) and qualifying (15:00-15:30) on Friday, the Sprint Race (10:00-10:45) on Saturday then the Feature Race on Sunday (08:30). All times local.