Drama for David in Paul Ricard

Sri Lankan reclaims title lead in France then loses it at hands of errant rival

Sri Lankan racer Yevan David faced a race weekend of highs and lows in France, first reclaiming and then losing the championship lead across the three races in the fifth round of Euroformula Open at Paul Ricard. 

In his first race weekend at 18-years-old, David demonstrated strong pace through Friday’s practice to then qualify on the front row on Saturday with P2 for the first of the three races for the fifth round of the eight-round season. . 

A strong start saw David challenging for the lead in that first race on Saturday afternoon, but early drama unfolded when title rival Michael Shin was involved in a collision, bringing out the safety car. Once racing resumed, David maintained pressure to clinch his ninth podium of the season.

“It was a very good Saturday with P2 in qualifying and P2 in the first race. There was definitely a bit of pace missing but we had confidence that we’d find it for Sunday where it’s a P5 start for both races.” 

David’s determined drive, coupled with Shin’s collision, saw him reclaim the championship lead— with a 14-point advantage heading into Sunday’s two races.

Race 2 on Sunday morning saw David driving with determination with the aim of his tenth podium finish of the season, but a misjudged move for P3 saw damage to the front wing of the Motopark car, a pitstop and a penalty. 

“It was a tough one. We had very good pace, but unfortunately, I made a mistake on a move, and that put us out of the race. It was good work by the team to still get us back out somehow and we did some good laps to end the race.”

David started the third and final race now with a one point lead in the standings, with the top three covered by three points. David was set to extend his lead as he overtook a rival for third position near third distance, however his rival returned to the track after an off-track excursion, and collected David at the next corner. 

“It was an unfortunate collision where we were taken out of the race from third place and a podium. Nevertheless, we had good pace, and even after the collision, the pace was very good.” 

David returned to the track to finish tenth and add a point to his tally. With three rounds to go, David now sits second in the Euroformula Open standings on 213 points, trailing Tymek Kucharczyk on 230 and narrowly ahead of team-mate Michael Shin on 212.

“Overall, it was a tough weekend, but we collected some decent points, and we're going into the summer break with a good feeling. Going to be working hard as always and coming back stronger for Red Bull Ring in September.” 

Yevan David is supported in his 2025 Euroformula Open campaign by Merc Stop, Alcom, Dayholi and the Ceylon Motor Sports Club (CMSC). He is contesting his first full season in the ultra-competitive single-seater championship, where all drivers do battle in identical Dallara 324 chassis powered by TOM’S engines.