Théo Pourchaire to race Indycar this weekend
The 2023 Formula 2 World Champion Théo Pourchaire will be behind the wheel in Indycar for the Arrow McLaren team, replacing David Malukas at this weekend's Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Arrow McLaren announced that the Frenchman, Théo Pourchaire, would take the wheel of the Chevrolet number 6, replacing the American driver, David Malukas, who has been sidelined with a hand injury for the past few weeks.
Sauber’s protege and reserve driver for Stake F1, tried his hand at the Super Formula earlier in the season and will continue to participate in it despite a difficult start to the season in Suzuka, finishing only 18th.
The tricolor will now have the opportunity to test the Indycar, a different competition from Formula 1, but very formative. He had been expected for a few weeks. He had gone to Indianapolis, to the team headquarters to mold his seat in the Dallara-Chevrolet.
He seems thrilled with this opportunity. « I’ve always wanted to drive in Indycar. It’s one of the best categories and racing for McLaren is amazing because it’s one of the biggest brands in the history of auto racing. I was already in discussions with them this winter but there was no more room while Indycar was an option for 2024. »
« I am grateful that Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, Gavin Ward, team principal, and Tony Kanaan, sporting director, have thought of me for this opportunity, and to the Sauber team for allowing me to get on track at Long Beach.
Théo Pourchaire had won the Formula 2 championship, scoring 10 podium finishes and two victories to clinch the title with his team, ART Grand Prix.
The next event in Super Formula is from May 18th to 19th at Autopolis in Japan. The Long Beach Grand Prix is taking place this weekend, from April 19th to 21st. If necessary, Theo Pourchaire may still replace David Maluka at the next Indycar event in Alabama at the end of April before resuming the SF season.
