Theo Pourchaire will make his IndyCar debut this weekend at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, Arrow McLaren has confirmed.
Reigning Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire will make his debut in the NTT IndyCar Series with Arrow McLaren this weekend in Long Beach, replacing injured David Malukas.
Pourchaire will drive the #6 Arrow McLaren entry on the city streets just outside of Los Angeles and assist the team collect crucial points in the second race of the 2024 season.
“This is an amazing opportunity to drive with such a legendary team in a legendary motorsport series like the NTT IndyCar Series,” Pourchaire said.
“I’ve watched IndyCar since I was a young kid, and the racing is incredible. I was thrilled to get the call from the team.
“I’m grateful [they] thought of me for this opportunity and for the team at Sauber to allow me to get on track at Long Beach.
“I am also sorry that the opportunity came as David continues to recover. It’s not going to be an easy task, but I’m ready for it.”
It won’t be the Frenchman’s first race weekend of the year, having taken part last month in the opening round of the Japanese Super Formula series to which he is committed this season. But a lengthy break in the latter’s schedule was perfect timing for Arrow McLaren to draft in Pourchaire as a replacement for Malukas.
Pourchaire has spent the last few weeks in America testing in the Chevrolet simulator alongside Kyle Larson and team Sporting Director Tony Kanaan.
The French driver will be driving a car sporting the Onsemi livery, which will be making its first appearance in the 2024 season.
“It’s a shame that David’s recovery is longer than we all originally anticipated,” said team principal Gavin Ward.
“He’s been working with our team trainer very closely with what rehab and strength exercises are possible at this point, and the team’s been doing a great job in the meantime to work together through the changes they’ve had since his injury.
“Theo may be an unexpected driver in the NTT IndyCar Series paddock this season, but we’re excited to see what he can do on the track in Long Beach and are thankful for Sauber in working with us to make it happen.
“He has a strong résumé, especially for his young age, and he’s eager to work with us and put his driving to the test this weekend.”
Arrow McLaren has not yet confirmed a driver for next weekend’s race at Barber Motorsports Park (April 26–28) while they closely monitor Malukas’s recuperation progress, which has extended beyond the initial six-week projection.
Callum Ilott stepped in as the team driver for both the Thermal Club exhibition event and the first round in St. Petersburg, however, will not be available for the upcoming race. For the weekend, Ilott will be racing in the 6 Hours of Imola after signing with Hertz Team Jota for the entire 2024 WEC season.
