Zachary David was thrilled to be back on track as the Euro 4 Championship resumed after a long summer break. And despite being away for 2 months, he was immediately on pace at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza last 16th/17th of September and collected a pair of Rookie podiums.
The Malta-based Filipino driver was seen on the sharp end of the field during Free Practice, which was good indication of what was to come from the weekend. He then managed to secure P5 during both Qualifying sessions giving him a good shot at a strong result.
Driving the #20 entry of US Racing, Zach bravely challenged for the lead on the run to the first corner of Race 1 and successfully came out in P2. But he came under attack from a battery of Prema Racing drivers and had to defend profusely for position whilst staying on course. He later found himself in P6 after 2 Safety Car periods and resumed his hunt for a podium position. However, his charge through the field was abruptly cut when a competitor turned into him and made contact. The damage was unfortunately enough to force him into retirement on lap 8.
Zach sided with caution at the start of Race 2 to ensure he survived the opening lap chaos and found himself in P6. Choosing his battles wisely, he would lose another spot before the Safety Car came out due a massive multi-car pileup at Turn 1. It then took ages to clear the track and only 7 minutes remained on the clock when the green flag was waived. This turned the race into a sprint to the chequered flag, but confusion ensued at the restart after a post marshal mistakenly waved a yellow flag. The Filipino driver saw the opportunity to move up several places and slotted into P4 and almost made it onto the podium. Although he crossed the line in 4th overall and 2nd in the Rookie Class, the official results are put on hold until the organizers resolve the matter caused by the earlier mixup.
Despite starting down in P15, Zach wanted to conclude the weekend on a high note and saved his best performance for Race 3. The 16-year-old was on attack mode right from the get go and gained 3 places on only the opening lap. He then proceeded to pick up positions throughout the race ’til he made it into P5. A late Safety Car period meant that the entire field had a single lap to decide the finishing order where Zach decided to make a lunge before the very last corner to finish 4th and secure 3rd in the Rookie category.
With provisional results, Zach David currently sits 6th overall in the standings and 4th amongst the Rookies. He now prepares for the return of the Italian F4 Championship on the 30th of September to 1st of October at Mugello, while the Euro 4 Championship’s next event will not take place until the end of October in Barcelona.
Zach David: “A positive experience for the first race back after the long summer break. Always special to race at Monza. Pace was more than there throughout the weekend, just small bits of bad luck prevented us from getting the result we deserved. Some podiums, good points collected, and an overall good showing means I’m more motivated for the last couple races this year. Looking forward for my next race in Mugello in a week’s time.”
Zach David is sponsored by Ceramic Pro, Ceramic Pro Express, Kavaca PPF, Stilo Helmets, Eeetwell, Attard Baldacchino, and Exoshield, with support from Petron Corporation, Ravenol, JG Summit Olefins Corporation, AlbertSmith Signs, Time Attack Manila, Everpower, FB Hout, Pet One Petfood, 3CX, and Malta Motorsports Federation.
For more info and the latest updates, follow ZachdavidRacing on Facebook and @zachdavidracing on Instagram.
[Photos courtesy of ACI Sport]
