Official – Théo Pourchaire with McLaren in Long Beach, it’s done!

Great first for Theo Pourchaire ! It was an open secret, but it is now official: the Frenchman will have his first experience in IndyCar, starting this weekend, for the next round of the American championship, in Long Beach. McLaren uses the services of the champion of Formula 2 in title to replace David Malukas, still recovering from his wrist injury during a fall while mountain biking.

Le Grassois, entered in Super Formula this season with Team Impul, is offered a golden opportunity in the United States with the No. 6 McLaren. At present, if only his participation in the Californian round is confirmed, Théo Pourchaire could also race at Barber the following week (April 28) if David Malukas is still unavailable. For the latter, McLaren will “continue to assess his state of health with his medical team” and will later confirm the starting driver for the 4th round of the campaign.

Arrow McLaren announced that Théo Pourchaire will race the No. 6 one-semi Arrow McLaren Chevy at the Grand Prix of Long Beach this weekend.

— Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team (@ArrowMcLaren) April 18, 2024

Théo Pourchaire in IndyCar, an express preparation

“I always wanted to drive IndyCar. It’s one of the best categories, and to drive there for McLaren is incredible, it’s one of the greatest car brands in history,” Théo Pourchaire told us ahead of the announcement. “IndyCar was an option for 2024 but unfortunately there was no more room. I was in discussions late with certain teams, and in particular with McLaren. It's a team that was in my sights, which represented a real option, in the same way as Super Formula. Destiny finally called me back to come here. Maybe this will open doors for me in the future, particularly in IndyCar which is one of my goals or in F1 whether with Sauber or other teams. »

The car that Théo Pourchaire will drive at Long Beach this weekend. © McLaren

The French driver has been in the United States for two weeks already, to try his hand at the wheel of the Chevrolet simulator, McLaren's engine supplier in IndyCar. An express preparation which will be far from ideal, especially for a route as atypical as the urban circuit like that of Long Beach. For Théo Pourchaire, the main objective will first be “to learn from [his] teammates” at McLaren, namely Pato O'Ward and Alexander Red, two big names in the American championship.

The Long Beach Grand Prix is ​​scheduled for 21:30 p.m. this Sunday.

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