The month-long summer break has clearly helped Zachary ‘Zach’ David recover and recharge as he was back fighting at the front when the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) resumed over the weekend. The Malta-licensed Filipino driver was looking strong throughout every session, eventually bagging 4th place at the Imola Circuit in Italy.
Although the 17-year-old was mid-pack at best during Testing, David quickly turned things around for Saturday Qualifying. He surprised by setting the 4th fastest time in Group A, which put him P6 on the grid just behind his R-ace GP teammates Tuukka Taponen and Enzo Deligny.
He would get off to a clean start in Race 1 as the entire 30-car grid funneled its way through Tamburello chicane. Despite the opening lap chaos, David managed to avoid contact and stay clean albeit losing 2 places to P8. Unfortunately, his charge to the front was abruptly cut short after the Stewards gave him a drive through penalty for a technical fault on his #20 R-ace GP car. With such as short race, this subsequently dropped him to dead last with no chance to recover.
After the previous day’s missed opportunity, David came back ready for a fight on Sunday. He was 3rd fastest in Group B Qualifying, earning him a spot higher on the grid in P5.
As lights turned green on a wet Imola Circuit, a first corner tangle between championship rivals Tuukka Taponen and Rafael Camara allowed David to move into a podium spot. He then maintained position after the Safety Car restart and stayed within striking distance to the leaders. It was just unfortunate that he lost a spot after the second Safety Car period, but still finished the 14-lap race in 4th with 12 points in the bag.
With back-to-back rounds, the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) is heading to the Red Bull Ring in Austria this weekend for Round 8. Zach David currently sits 11th in the Drivers’ Standings with 3 weekends to go.
Zach David: “Overall a decent weekend at Imola with the potential for much more. Was able to maximize the speed in both Qualifying sessions, but got unlucky in Race 1 having done nothing wrong on my part. Still, we knew that we had good pace and came back stronger in Race 2. We were in contention for a podium all race and ended up in a strong 4th place. A few missed opportunities here makes us hungrier for more next round at Red Bull Ring.”
Zach David is sponsored by Ceramic Pro, Stilo Helmets, Attard Baldacchino, Puma, Green Amenities, JG Summit Olefins Corporation, AutoPlus Sports, Automobile Association Philippines, Time Attack Manila, ISR, and Malta Motorsports Federation.
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