The puzzle of Théo Pourchaire's tests at Alfa Romeo

When Theo Pourchaire will he be able to participate in his first official test session in Formula 1 ? This is one of the nagging questions Alfa Romeo. This year, the Swiss team has already had Robert Kubica ride on the car de Guanyu-Zhou. But, Frédéric Vasseur must still replace Valtteri Bottas on one of the free practice sessions on the calendar.

To allow the Habs to make their first laps in the premier competition, Alfa Romeo had several options. But, the changes in the deadlines of the season have shaken up the cards. “ We were thinking of doing Le Castellet with Théo. But now, at Castellet they have the F2, they changed because of Sochi. We need to find a slot at the end of the season », underlines Frédéric Vasseur, the principal team of Alfa Romeo.

When the cancellation of the Russian Grand Prix was announced, a second race in Singapore was considered. According to our information, this new meeting should have allowed Théo Pourchaire to make his first appearance during EL1. Ultimately, Formula 1 decided not to replace the race weekend in Sochi.

Théo Pourchaire should not make his debut at Castellet

However, drivers have already participated in free practice sessions in Formula 1 while they were engaged in Formula 2. This was the case with Jüri Vips at Red Bull in Barcelona. But this possibility should not be on Théo Pourchaire’s agenda. The French driver remains engaged in the race for the championship and will certainly not want to miss any sessions with ART Grand Prix.

If the French Grand Prix is ​​not possible for Théo Pourchaire at Alfa Romeo, the Habs will not be spoiled for choice. “ It's not that easy, because we don't want to do it in Singapore. Japan is hard for a rookie, and it's also hard for the one who drives the car (Valtteri Bottas) and who hasn't made Japan in the last two seasons », recalls the French boss. With the two Grand Prix in Asia aside, that leaves the United States, Mexico and Brazil. But like this weekend in Austria, the schedule in São Paulo will be disrupted with one less test session.

« We have the sprint races, and we probably have two or three races where we will have to do tire testing. This means that we kill FP2 and that it is relatively difficult to have a rookie in FP1 and tire testing in FP2. Mexico could work, Austin could work. But Pirelli will have to do the tire tests. And I think it will also depend on the weather », explains Frédéric Vasseur. Many parameters must therefore be taken into account to succeed in satisfying Théo Pourchaire and Alfa Romeo. What is certain is that the addition of Castellet to the Formula 2 calendar has created a new card within the Swiss team. 

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