After scoring his maiden series podium just 2 weeks ago, Zach David was in high sprits heading into Circuit Zandvoort for the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine’s (FRECA) third event of 2024. However, a torrential downpour and several near-misses prevented the Malta-licensed Filipino driver from converting his strong performance into results with a best 8th place finish from the tough weekend.
Zach immediately on pace and was 10th fastest in the first Collective Test session. He then piloted the #20 R-ace GP entry to P5 amongst the Group B runners in Qualifying, which earned him P10 on the grid for Saturday’s race.
However, a strong downpour drenched the 4.259 km circuit and required Race 1 to start behind the Safety Car. After clearing most of the standing water on track, the field was eventually released with only 13 mins remaining on the clock and left all 31 drivers to scramble for position. Zach immediately went for a gap on the first lap of racing and moved up to P9. But in the chaos, race leader James Wharton of Prema Racing spun right on the path of Zach, which required the Filipino driver to take evasive action on the grass. Luckily contact was averted and Zach was able to rejoin in P8 without losing too much ground. The Safety Car was eventually called out for a second time and the race restarted with only 3 mins left. Unfortunately, Zach was unable to improve on his position and crossed the finish line in 8th to secure valuable championship points.
Now with clear skies, Zach had another shot at a strong result in Race 2 on Sunday. He climbed 2 places at the start and was running in P12 until a spinning James Wharton once again cut across his path. Zach avoided contact once more by driving off the track, but this time lost several places in the process. His race then went from bad to worse after another driver sent him through the gravel and dropped to dead last. Despite his misfortunes, Zach maintained composure and fought his way through the field. His efforts were later rewarded with 18th place that, while it didn’t earn him points, demonstrated his determination and unwillingness to give up.
Zach David continues his pursuit for strong results and championship points as the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) heads to the Hungaroring for Round 4 of the 2024 championship on the 22nd to 23rd of June.
Zach David: “A weekend where things didn’t seem to go our way. The overall performance has been improving, but the results at Zandvoort don’t show it yet. I’m sure our time will come, but for now we will just work as hard as we can to get the results we deserve.”
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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[Photos courtesy of Dutch Photo Agency]
