International race car driver Zachary 'Zach' David is taking a major step up the motorsports ladder for the upcoming season. He announces his entry in both Formula Regional Middle East and Formula Regional European Championships for 2024, making it a very busy year ahead for the young Filipino.
David enjoyed a milestone-filled rookie year in single-seaters last year. Debuting in the 2023 Formula 4 UAE Championship with R-ace GP in collaboration with Campos Racing, he scored his very first victory during Round 2 at Kuwait Motor Town. He also went on to secure multiple wins and podium finishes to finish 5th in the Rookies category.
After heading back to Europe, David entered the final event of the Formula Winter Series in Europe where he secured two victories at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain. This served as a warm up ahead of his full season in the ultra-competitive Italian F4 Championship that saw him race against a packed 30+ car grid that included some of the fastest Formula 1 junior drivers. Despite the stiff competition, he delivered strong performances at every round and earned four overall podium finishes. David was also a consistent winner and podium finisher in the Rookies division where he wrapped up the season 3rd in the class championship. Capping off his already busy year, David contested all three rounds of the inaugural Euro 4 Championship with a best 4th place finish at Monza.
Looking back at his rookie year in single seaters and in which areas he has improved on, the 16-year-old driver shared “I was able to learn a lot racing a Formula car, being able to manage and compose myself in stressful situations to still perform. These will help me this year by serving as a baseline for me to build on. With that experience, I am now calmer and have a clearer mind on what needs to be done.”
New challenges awaits David this 2024 as he contends with a much faster car, a longer championship calendar, and more demanding circuits.
Formula Regional is positioned after Formula 4 and before Formula 3, Formula 2, and ultimately Formula 1. With an extra 90 hp (approx.) and more downforce, the Formula Regional car is quicker and more physical to drive than Formula 4. David address this by participating in several post-season tests in 2023 to learn and adapt his driving in preparation for the upcoming season.
His busy year officially begins on the 12th to 14th of January for the season opener of the Formula Regional Middle East Championship. The condensed five round calendar will see David race over six weekends with three rounds taking place at the Yas Marina Circuit in the UAE and two at the Dubai Autodrome including the finale on the 16th to 18th of February.
David will then head to Europe for the next stage in his motorsports journey at the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA). The series will stage all 10 rounds on Formula 1 circuits with a calendar that stretches from May until October. It will see David compete on historic tracks such as Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, Circuit Paul Ricard in France, and Imola Circuit in Italy just to name a few.
Zach David: “My goal for the 2024 season is to be in contention for the championship, even better if I could win it. But I don't really like to think about it this early. The most important thing is that I find my rhythm quickly, keep building on what I already have, and take the necessary steps to advance. I'm confident that I will be there in the mix for the championship. It makes me proud to race the Philippine flag and it feels even better with all the support from back home.”
Zach David is sponsored by Ceramic Pro, KAVACA / ION PPF, Stilo Helmets, Attard Baldacchino, Exoshield and Ceramic Pro Express, with support from Pet One Petfood, FB Hout, Everpower, Green Amenities, JG Summit Olefins Corporation, Ravenol Phillippines, AutoPlus Sports, Time Attack Manila, ISR, Keys School Manila, 3CX, Petron Corporation, and Malta Motorsports Federation.
For more info and the latest updates, follow ZachdavidRacing on Facebook, @zachdavidracing on Instagram, @zachdavid.racing on TikTok, and @zachdavidracing on YouTube.
