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Yevan David, first Sri Lankan driver to win a top formula race

19.10.2024

Winning his first-ever Euroformula Open race today in the rain at Monza, Yevan David wrote history: he became the first driver from Sri Lanka to win a race in a major international single-seater series. The Colombo-born driver of Motopark imposed himself in a very lively Race 1 in the wet, showing great assertiveness at the start and later on when he had to defend the lead.

He was clearly elated after the finish: “It’s a great day for me. The race was tough but I could pull away at the start, then I made a couple of mistakes and I had to fight but I recovered well. The Dallara is mega to drive, especially on wet track. I’m very happy for all those who put their trust on me and for my country.”

Brad Benavides had not the best of starts from the pole and was challenged by David, Garfias and Ryabov, the latter two making contact and going straight at first chicane. When rejoining the track, Garfias touched Benavides in turn 2. The confusion allowed David to pull away, leading with some margin on Garfias and Ryabov.

In lap 7, Barrichello passed Ryabov for third but the battle was far from over. On the contrary, it became fiercer between Ryabov, Benavides and Simonazzi, with the three abreast in the straights. Ryabov fell victim of the action, while further up Barrichello is flying in the rain and closes the gap. He will pass Garfias for second and threaten David but ends up spinning and dropping few positions, while Simonazzi, in great shape in the closing laps takes a final second ahead of Garfias.