David using Melbourne as a ‘learning experience’ as he targets fighting at the front

After a difficult Round 1, Yevan David is keen to start competing at the front, and believes the Spielberg in-season test is a chance to begin his fightback.

The AIX Racing driver finished P22 in the Sprint Race and P21 in the Feature, and while disappointed with the result he says the time away has allowed him and the team to reset before the test.

“It's been good,” said David of the break. “Honestly for me, it's quite nice to have this two-month break because after Melbourne we can really reset and fully prepare for Monaco.

“Obviously everyone has that opportunity but for me I feel like it has been good to really reset before the restart. We got a taste of what it's like to race and then reflect on it.

“The break itself has been good. I've been really focusing on my school, doing math, physics and psychology. I've really been focusing on that because I have a very numerical brain so I really like the maths and physics.

“I've also been spending time with family and friends. I took a trip to Sri Lanka as well so it was nice to be home. Otherwise, I have just been focusing on Monaco.”

When asked what he and the team took away from Melbourne, David responded: “Obviously, it's not where I want to be. We were around the lower half of where we wanted to be, but I'd say it's still a good learning experience.

“I enjoyed the weekend fully and that's the main thing. I was still very grateful for the opportunity and grateful for the lessons learnt. For me, I think I'm just very much focused now.

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“My goal is to win so that's all that's on my mind. Melbourne was a wake-up call to really get going and make some improvements as well. I think it was a difficult weekend for us but it's clear what we can work on, so it's clear where I need to improve and execute.”

Looking ahead David says the in-season test is a chance to familiarise himself with the car again and also for him and AIX to trial the improvements they have made in the simulator out on track.

After that is a trip to Monte Carlo, where the 18-year-old will get a chance to race for the first time, an opportunity he has been dreaming about for a long time.

“We had to put everything in order and in place to win,” said David of the test. “Then we prepare for Monaco and lap execution.

“Monaco is all about qualifying and of course the rest of the season will be in June, July and September. It's very vital and everything is going to be put with 100%.”

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“I honestly have been dreaming about Monaco. There's been some nights where I think I drove the car in my sleep just dreaming about it.

“I keep watching all these old races with Senna in the ‘80s and ‘90s winning there and it's just bringing back so many childhood memories.

“For me to be actually driving there for the first time, might not be in F1 yet but in F3 is still a huge milestone for me, so I'm very much looking forward to it.”