Théo Pourchaire trapped at the end of the race at Barber: “It wasn’t the best day”

When leaving 24^e on the grid of the Alabama Grand Prix this Sunday, Theo Pourchaire had no choice but to dare in order to hope to go back up. Thus, the replacement for David Malukas in the ranks of Arrow McLaren tried but the coin did not end up falling on his side.

Starting on a fuel saving strategy which could have borne fruit in the final third, the Frenchman carried out his mission well but the spin of Christian Rasmussen (Ed Carpenter Racing) 5 laps from the finish thwarted his plans. To this, we had to add Pato O'Ward, really not having a good day, who hit him on the last lap. Ideal between teammates especially since the Mexican had hit the other member of the Arrow McLaren trio, Alexander Red, seven days earlier in Long Beach…

« Obviously, I have a sort of magnet with my teammates these last two weeks, regretted Pato O'Ward. This really sucks and at this point we need to refocus and make sure this never happens again."

« We tried a very aggressive strategy in saving fuel, assured for his part Théo Pourchaire when summarizing his Sunday. It was probably going to pay off, but unfortunately there was an incident about five laps from the finish. I think I was good enough saving fuel to keep the same pace as Ericsson and Palou. Things were going well, but it wasn't the best day for the team. It's part of the game. I know the team will bounce back and it's just about having a good weekend and staying focused on the task at hand."

For Théo Pourchaire, the American adventure may not be completely over. If he was requisitioned for Long Beach and Barber, the Grassois is not ruled out for a third round in a row on the road to Indianapolis (May 11). Indeed, David Malukas may not yet be fully recovered by then while Callum Ilott will be at Spa-Francorchamps for the WEC. The next Super Formula meeting will be held the following weekend, so the Habs would be available if needed. To the wise!

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