HUNGARORING, Hungary, July 8, 2025 (ePRESS) – Despite battling a major engine failure and severe technical setbacks, Sri Lanka’s motor racing sensation Yevan David produced a masterclass of courage and control at the fourth round of the Euroformula Open Championship, finishing a fraction off the podium at the Hungaroring circuit in Hungary on Sunday night.
Racing with a broken cylinder head and other critical constraints, Yevan’s fearless drive kept him firmly in the fight for the championship, proving once again why he’s regarded as one of the toughest young racers on the European circuit.
Competing on one of Europe’s most unforgiving tracks — a narrow, twisty layout famously difficult for overtaking — Yevan launched a daring charge from eighth on the grid. In a car hampered by mechanical issues, he made bold moves in the opening laps, gaining positions on a circuit known among drivers as a “go-kart track for Formula cars” because of its tight corners and minimal passing opportunities.
In a race where milliseconds separated contenders, Yevan crossed the finish line in fourth place, just a second behind Korea’s Michael Shin, who claimed third and the championship lead with 198 points. Yevan, sitting on 194 points, remains well within striking distance as the season heads into its crucial second half.
The race was won by Mexico’s José Garfias, with local favourite Benjamin Berta delighting home fans by taking second. While the podium celebrated, Yevan’s heroic drive, overcoming a damaged car and adverse conditions, earned him immense respect and a rookie podium as the best-performing first-year driver of the race.
“A great way to end the weekend by finishing fourth and securing a rookie podium,” Yevan said. “We did our best — it was tough with the engine issues and dirty air making overtaking difficult, but the pace was there from the start. We made some good moves early and finished the weekend strongly. Overall, a good recovery after the qualifying penalty. I’m excited for Paul Ricard, because we know we have the speed to fight at the front.”
This weekend’s Hungaroring battle reaffirmed Yevan’s growing stature as one of Europe’s grittiest young drivers. Renowned for his lightning starts and fearless overtaking, the 17-year-old Sri Lankan has firmly positioned himself in the title conversation this season.
It has already been a season to remember for the young Lion, with victories in earlier rounds at Portimão and Spa-Francorchamps — venues renowned for testing both speed and technical finesse. At both circuits, Yevan’s aggressive racing style and unyielding spirit saw him storm to victory, underlining his championship credentials.
With the Euroformula Open now heading to the Paul Ricard Circuit in France in two weeks, Yevan David remains one of the championship’s most talked-about contenders. Just four points shy of the leader and several rounds still to run, the young Sri Lankan driver carries both the pace and endurance to mount a serious title challenge in the weeks ahead.
