Théo Pourchaire and Romain Grosjean outside the top 10 at the Alabama Indycar Grand Prix

A weekend to forget for the French in Indycar. Former Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean has to settle for 12th position at the end of the race, after having to switch to a two-stop strategy. The Frenchman’s race pace was good but he struggled to optimize his soft tires during the flying lap. Starting in 11th place after qualifying, the Frenchman managed to climb into the top 10. However, his two-stop strategy was compromised by a caution on the 55th lap. Sting Ray Robb’s incident forced drivers on this strategy to pit, and to have to save a lot of fuel until the finish.

For the newcomer to the competition, Théo Pourchaire did not have the opportunity to show the extent of his talent this weekend. After finishing 11th at Long Beach last week, the Formula 2 champion could not do better than 22nd place. The rookie had a tough race on one of the most demanding circuits of the season.

Starting 24th on the grid of the Grand Prix of Alabama on Sunday, Theo Pourchaire had no choice but to dare to hope to move up. The replacement for David Malukas in the ranks of Arrow McLaren tried but failed to optimize performance.

Théo Pourchaire was on track to achieve a top 20 finish in his Arrow McLaren. But the young Frenchman was hit by his teammate Pato O’Ward on the last lap. He therefore finishes 23rd. His teammate finishes just ahead of him.

For Theo Pourchaire, the American adventure may not be completely over. If he was chosen for Long Beach and Barber by McLaren, the Grassois is not ruled out for a third round at the Indianapolis circuit (May 11). Indeed, David Malukas could still be unavailable while Callum Ilott will be at Spa-Francorchamps for the WEC. With his next Super Formula meeting taking place the following weekend, the Frenchman would then be available if needed.