Theo Pourchaire, the reigning Formula 2 champion, will continue to race for Arrow McLaren SP in the IndyCar Series at Barber Motorsports Park. Pourchaire made his IndyCar debut with the team at the Streets of Long Beach, where he finished 11th. He will substitute for David Malukas, who is recovering from a left wrist injury. Pourchaire’s performance in Long Beach impressed team principal Gavin Ward, who praised his enthusiasm and progress. Pourchaire’s contract includes two races, with the Barber Motorsports Park round dependent on Malukas’ health.
Pourchaire, a reserve and test driver for Sauber’s Formula 1 team, took honors as the biggest mover at the 11-turn, 1.968-mile temporary street circuit last Sunday. He previously shared that being contracted “to drive for the next two races, to replace David” but further noted the round at Barber Motorsports Park was dependent on the health of Malukas. It became known over the weekend at Long Beach that Malukas still had pins in his wrist from the surgery, which is expected to be removed on Wednesday.
Arrow McLaren team principal Gavin Ward previously confirmed to Motorsport.com after the race in California that Pourchaire would be present at the scenic 2.3-mile, 17-turn natural terrain road course in Birmingham, Alabama. Seeing Pourchaire get the chance to extend his time in IndyCar doesn’t come as a surprise considering his performance, but also the praise that followed by Ward.
“We dropped Theo in about as much in the deep end as he could be dropped,” Ward said. “We had high hopes and I love the way he’s approached the weekend. He just got built up to it. He’s completed every lap and just got better and better. Really, really impressive debut. …
“The enthusiasm is infectious. You could hear it on the radio. He was enjoying himself out there and that’s fun. He’s just been super happy to be in IndyCar and make the most of this opportunity, so that makes everybody smile.”
