Théo Pourchaire: “The weapons to fight in front of Castellet”

Before discovering the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, Theo Pourchaire will be back with the French public at the 4 Hours of Le Castellet. Entered in the European Le Mans Series with the Algarve Pro Racing team, the driver from Grasse will be competing in his second race in Endurance, after his debut in the discipline on April 6 in Barcelona.

« It's going well with the team, confided Théo Pourchaire to Self before heading towards Castellet. We were a bit unlucky in our first race. In qualifying, we had a problem with the second set of tires, which cost us dearly. In the race, the Safety Car didn't help us either. »

Despite these setbacks, the French driver has fond memories of his first experience with Algarve Pro Racing.

Photo: Xavi Bonilla / DPPI

« We finally finished 5th in our category and 6th overall, He added. It's positive. As the team told me, in difficult moments, the most important thing is to reach the finish. That's what we did. We scored the points we needed. »

After limiting the damage in Catalonia, the 21-year-old driver hopes to aim higher for his home race.

« For Castellet, we have the weapons to fight in front, believes Pourchaire. You have to start the weekend well, find the right setup, and give everyone confidence. In endurance racing, it's essential that the three riders work in harmony. Algarve has won quite a few races in the past and has been champion. ELMS in 2023, so I have no worries. We have a good team. »

One of the major challenges for Pourchaire in this new discipline remains cohabitation with his teammates. He shares the wheel of the No. 07 Oreca 25 with Matthias Kaiser and Lorenzo Fluxa.

« They have more experience than me in LMP2 and Endurance. They know what they're doing and know the ELMS well. Lorenzo has just changed teams, he still has to adapt a little, because the way of working is different between CLX and Algarve. But I feel good with them, the atmosphere is good. The most important thing is to have good chemistry and help each other to win. »

A victory at Le Castellet would allow the trio to build confidence before tackling the major challenge of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

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