Simon Pagenaud joins Théo Pourchaire's management team

Already an advisor to Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske), particularly during the Indianapolis 500, simon pagenaud continues to develop its activities in the paddock of theIndyCar. The Poitevin has just formalized a new mission with Theo PourchaireThe latter had made a promising debut across the Atlantic with Arrow McLaren, before being quickly ousted in favor of a Nolan Siegel with better financial baggage in the spring of 2024. I was surprised to be contacted by Théo Pourchaire, who wanted us to work together., says Pagenaud. It's first and foremost a human issue. Théo shares the same values ​​as Scott, and especially mine. I quickly understood that he was someone I sincerely appreciated, with whom I could create a beautiful relationship. When you look at his career, he has won almost everything, in every category. He is only 21 years old, and has a bright future ahead of him." Judge Pagenaud, who does not want his new protégé to turn away completely from the European sphere.

"Théo already has solid prospects, particularly with Stellantis (where he works as a tester Peugeot Hypercar in WEC and member of the group's Young Pilots Program. Editor's note), but remains very attracted to the United States, especially after his great experience in IndyCar. The fact that he contacted me, just like Scott (McLaughlin), is significant in my eyes: it shows that he is looking for sincere and strategic support, despite his already very high level of play."

Building a solid options portfolio

The interpersonal skills of Simon Pagenaud, a figure on the American circuits for around fifteen years, will be one of the assets of this new collaboration with the Grasse native. “We reached an agreement with Théo for me to manage his interests and relationships, particularly to strengthen his presence in the United States. This does not exclude Europe, where everything is progressing well, but the idea is to create a real bridge with the USA, to make his name known, initiate discussions with teams, and obtain testing and racing opportunities for him. The goal is for Théo to be considered when seats become available. Then, it is up to him to make his choices, if he is attracted by the offers. My role is to help him build a portfolio of solid options, whether in F1 — which remains very relevant — in WEC, at Le Mans, or of course in America.

For his part, Théo Pourchaire, engaged this season in European Le Mans Series with Algarve Pro Racing in LMP2, is delighted with this significant reinforcement in its structure, which still includes Julien Abelli, its manager for nine years. "Simon will help me progress, not only as a driver, but also on a personal level - in my physical and mental preparation, both for theEndurance that for the car. I also continue to work with Julien Abelli, my manager since 2016. It's a real team effort. Simon will help me develop my career in the United States. He has many contacts and extensive experience that can be very useful to me. Julien continues to support me on the European front, and it's thanks to him that I was able to join Stellantis and Peugeot in Hypercar. The main objective remains to continue this great adventure with Stellantis, while studying the opportunities that will present themselves to us.

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