Théo Pourchaire 11th in his first IndyCar race: “A dream come true”

Discover theIndyCar in the streets of Long Beach with only half a day of simulator training, this is the challenge that awaited Theo Pourchaire this week-end. Challenge met brilliantly, since the champion F2 in title is the driver who gained the most positions compared to his starting place this Sunday.

A performance which is not the result of luck or a high number of abandonments in front of him. Pourchaire finished less than two seconds behind his teammate Alexander Red, and the native of Grasse was obviously delighted when he got out of his McLaren stamped with the number 6.

“I'm very happy, I thank the whole team for the car, which was great! I am the one who gained the most places today, from 22nd to 11th, I am very happy with that. I also thank the IndyCar organization, the championship is incredible, the races are awesome, Long Beach is a great place and I hope to return there in the future. »

After two practice sessions, a qualifying session and a Warm-Up, Théo Pourchaire believes that he learned even more by having to compete in 85 laps in a row, in an environment different from that which he had been able to experience in F2 or in Super Formula in Japan. If the air temperature wasn't excessively hot in Long Beach, the Aeroscreen raises the mercury a few degrees inside the cockpit, even with a second version, which has built-in ventilation scoops.

“I learned a lot more in the race, I did 85 laps in a row, pit stops, entry laps, exit laps... I had to save gas, overtake cars, and I loved it because the performance was there. I enjoyed the 85 laps well, even if it was very hot. »

A conquered Team Principal

Pourchaire did not hide his emotion at the idea of ​​having been able to race in the United States and in IndyCar. Doing it with a strong and legendary brand like McLaren only reinforced the experience, and the desire to repeat it as quickly as possible.

“It's pure car racing in IndyCar, physically it's difficult, I'm quite tired now, but it's a dream that has come true for me, with McLaren, such a legendary team. I'm quite emotional, but it's really incredible. I don't realize it yet, but I'm very happy. »

If the driver was delighted with his experience, so was Gavin Ward, Team Principal of the team: “I was very impressed with Théo and his approach throughout the weekend. He kept his car in one piece, showed good pace and learned a lot. Her smile and joy are contagious, and it's hard not to smile when thinking about her beginnings. »

Théo Pourchaire's second opportunity in the championship could arrive this weekend, with the Frenchman having a good chance of replacing David Malukas again, if he has still not recovered from his left wrist injury.