David Targets Barcelona Breakthrough After Monaco Momentum

Sri Lankan racing driver Yevan David heads to this weekend's FIA Formula 3 round in Barcelona determined to convert growing confidence into stronger results as his rookie season with AIX Racing continues.

Having left Monaco encouraged by an impressive charge through the field in the Feature Race and a memorable weekend racing with his Ayrton Senna tribute helmet, David now arrives at one of the most familiar circuits on the calendar looking to apply the lessons learned from just his second FIA Formula 3 event.

After fighting forward from 22nd to 16th on the road in Monaco before a post-race penalty altered the final classification, the 18-year-old believes the experience gained around the streets of Monte Carlo has strengthened both his confidence and understanding of what is required at FIA Formula 3 level.

"Monaco really teaches you what it feels like to drive at the limit," said David.

"The biggest lesson for me was confidence. You have to trust yourself, trust the car and focus on executing every braking point without worrying about mistakes. All you need is one clean lap."

"Going into Barcelona, that's exactly what I'm taking with me. I know I can do the lap. Now it's about having the confidence to execute and focus on the details."

The confidence boost comes after David demonstrated encouraging racecraft in Monaco's Feature Race, producing a series of overtaking moves at a circuit renowned as one of the most difficult places in world motorsport to pass another car.

"The Feature Race definitely gave me confidence," he explained.

"Having those overtakes around Monaco and showing good pace proved that we have potential. It showed me that I can race forward and deliver in Formula 3."

"It was only my second FIA Formula 3 event, so I know there's still a steep learning curve ahead, but Monaco showed what we're capable of and gave me confidence in my own potential."

While Monaco demanded total concentration and constant precision between the barriers, Barcelona offers a different challenge altogether. Having raced at the circuit in multiple categories, David believes familiarity with the layout will allow him to focus entirely on extracting performance from the car.

"It's a completely different mindset compared to Monaco," he said.

"Everything happens a little more slowly and there's less information to process every second. More importantly, I know the circuit well. I don't have to think about where the braking points are or how to approach the corners."

"I can trust my instincts, trust what I'm feeling from the car and concentrate on maximising the performance."

Barcelona's reputation as one of the most demanding circuits for tyre management is expected to play a major role throughout the weekend, presenting a fresh challenge for the FIA Formula 3 field.

"Tyre management is going to be one of the biggest factors this weekend," said David.

"Barcelona is one of the highest degradation circuits on the calendar and Formula 3 is all about managing tyre wear. We've done a lot of work on long runs during testing and now we need to put that into practice during the races."

Although David maintains ambitious targets for the weekend, his focus remains firmly on execution rather than becoming distracted by results.

"A successful weekend for me is doing everything within my control," he said.

"If I hit every braking point, execute every lap to the best of my ability and maximise the package we have, that's a success."

"Of course the goal is still to fight for top-ten positions and move towards the front of the field, but the most important thing is focusing on the process and executing everything properly. If we do that, the results will follow."

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

FIA Formula 3 action in Barcelona starts on Friday June 12th with practice at 09:55-10:40 local time, qualifying takes place the same day between 15:00-15:30, with the Sprint Race on Saturday 10:05-10:45 and the Feature Race on Sunday 08:40-09:25.