Top Ten for Yevan David in Silverstone and GB3 Debut

Sri Lankan Star Adds Another Formula 1 Grand Prix Track To His Tally

Rising Sri Lankan star Yevan David made a strong impression on his debut GB3 Championship weekend at the iconic Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit, breaking into the top ten during Race 2 and showing rapid adaptation to new machinery and conditions throughout the three-race event.

Guesting with Xcel Motorsport in Round 5 of the UK’s leading single-seater series, eighteen-year-old David used the opportunity to gain valuable experience on his first visit to Silverstone, using the GB3 car for the first time too.

“This was all about learning and challenging myself in a new environment. Silverstone is an incredible circuit and the GB3 car demands a very different approach - but we adapted quickly and delivered strong pace.”

Despite the British weather providing precipitation to mess with the circuit and car learning lesson plan, the highlight of the weekend came in Race 2, where David worked his way up the order for a top ten finish, just half a second off ninth. Truly a strong performance against drivers contesting the full season in the 24-car strong field. 

“We had great pace in Race 2 and made up loads of places. Every session I felt more comfortable in the car, and by then I was really able to push.”

The weekend’s GB3 event was a short notice opportunity to learn the Silverstone Circuit – scene of the British Formula 1 Grand Prix – with Formula 1 very much the future target for David. The steed for the weekend was another new race car for David to learn.

“The GB3 car is heavier than what I usually race and uses a naturally aspirated engine. This meant that throttle application, especially in the slower corners, was a big shift for me. It was great through the high-speed sections like Maggots and Becketts, aero is aero—and that felt familiar.”

The first and third races of the weekend saw strong pace from David although the biggest lesson was the difference in start procedure from the car used in Euroformula Open.

“In the Euroformula car you can pre-load the start with a lot of brake and throttle, but with this car if you try the same approach the car goes into safety mode. This is what you would practice in pre-season testing, but with a guest race you have to learn everything as you go.”

With rain affecting the practice sessions, there wasn't sufficient opportunity for David to perfect the type of lightening starts he’s achieved in Euroformula Open, but weekend’s racing adds to what has already been an impressive 2025 season with David currently second overall in the Euroformula Open, with four wins and five further podiums to his name.

“Every single lap helped. These experiences—different car, new circuit, mixed conditions—are exactly what help me grow as a driver. I’m happy with the performance and grateful for the opportunity.”

With a mid-season break now underway, Yevan’s David turns back to Euroformula Open, where he returns to action next month at the Red Bull Ring in Austria on September 6-7.

“We’ll take everything we learned here and bring it to the next Euroformula round. That’s the goal—always progress.”

Yevan David is supported in his 2025 racing by Merc Stop, Alcom, Dayholi and the Ceylon Motor Sports Club (CMSC)..