Sauber reserve driver, involved in partial single-seater programs in IndyCar and Super Formula, would Théo Pourchaire see endurance as the next direction in his young career?
The 2023 FIA F2 champion was able to try his hand at driving the Peugeot 9X8 during the Rookie Test in Bahrain yesterday and, after two short laps in the morning, was able to accumulate 17 laps in the afternoon.
If its 2025 future still remains unclear, could the door opened by Peugeot turn into a more in-depth relationship in the future, or more generally into a move into Endurance? Interview with the French pilot.
How did you get this opportunity with Peugeot?
Since July, I haven't run anymore. I've done a bit of simulator work, but other than that I haven't really driven. My manager and I tried to call a lot of people to find an opportunity. We contacted Peugeot and the feeling was quite good. They told me they wanted to test me at the Rookie Test. These runs are a good thing, and with Peugeot, it's the French team, the atmosphere is good. We had a meeting, and we got everything set up for Bahrain.
Did you have the opportunity to use the simulator at Satory before coming here?
Yes, I did a bit of simulator work and I molded my seat with Peugeot at Satory. There's a lot to do trying to understand endurance and Hypercar just to learn the basics because it's quite different from what I'm used to. The car is quite heavy to drive and very powerful. It's different. This is my first time driving a car with an enclosed cockpit, which is something to highlight. Not a huge difference, but still in terms of visibility and driving position, but also heat.
A few words about this car. We know Peugeot needs to improve the 9X8, but what do you think?
It's a good car. They got on the podium yesterday, which is good for the future of the team, because we know it's been a tough year for them. But they continued to learn each time and I think the level in Hypercar in the WEC is so high that, even if you finish around fifth, sixth, or seventh in a race, it's difficult to finish there. There are so many great drivers, great teams. Finishing on a podium is a good thing for Peugeot before starting a new season next year and continuing to maintain at this level.
© DPPI / WEC
Have you received any advice from other drivers?
I know Loïc very well. He's a very nice person. He tried to give me advice, as did the other drivers and engineers. Malthe Jakobsen has a lot of experience in Endurance. For me, it's a different sport, because you have to share the car and work as a team to go faster.
Do you see yourself racing here or more generally in Endurance?
Of course. I see myself driving race cars, whatever the race car is. I want to find opportunities. At the moment I'm not doing anything except the role of reserve driver in F1.
Peugeot has indicated that it needs a new reserve driver for next year. Is this something that might interest you? Besides something else?
Yes. A reserve driver role is good as long as you get some track time, and in my case because I experienced that in F1 like this year. Of course I will be able because I am a competitor. So in my head, the team calls me, I get straight in the car and do my best. But the reality is if you don't have track time, it's difficult. So, yes, reserve driver, why not in Hypercar. I think this can help me have a full-time seat for the future.
And couple that with LMP2, like Malthe Jakobsen…
I'm looking to do something next year to drive in a championship race. You have to, I think, as a racing driver, always feel the pressure, fight on the track, race to improve and stay at a high level.
You have experienced several paddocks this year. What is your general impression of the WEC, compared to IndyCar or F1?
Here in the world championship, you can see that the level is high. There are many manufacturers, large teams with many people. I experienced Super Formula, IndyCar and WEC this year, which is a good thing. The season was difficult. You know, not being able to play a full season in a series, trying to find solutions, trying to find opportunities. But I learned a lot during this year and had the opportunity to drive a lot of cars. These are really three different cars that are almost the best in the world. So it's a good experience for me.
Will you continue with Sauber next year?
I don't know. We'll discuss it over the winter and see.
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