Arrow McLaren has announced that the reigning Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire will make his IndyCar debut this weekend at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Pourchaire, who is currently a reserve driver for the Sauber F1 team, will drive the #6 Arrow McLaren entry on the city streets just outside Los Angeles and will help the team earn valuable points for the second race of the 2024 season.
The 20-year-old is being called in to sub for an injured David Malukas, who has not yet recovered from the broken wrist he suffered while mountain biking in February.
“This is an amazing opportunity to drive with such a legendary team in a legendary motorsport series like the NTT IndyCar Series,” said Pourchaire in the release.
“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 that Zak [Brown], Gavin [Ward] and Tony [Kanaan] 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 it’s as David continues to recover. It’s not going to be an easy task, but I’m ready for it.”
Callum Ilott was the substitute driver for the opening round in St. Petersburg and also for the exhibition event from the Thermal Club, but he is not available for the upcoming event.
Ilott accepted a role contesting the full 2024 WEC season with Hertz Team Jota, and will be competing in the 6 Hours of Imola on that weekend.
Pourchaire has been in America over the past couple weeks, and tested in the Chevrolet simulator with team Sporting Director Tony Kanaan and Kyle Larson also present.
The young French driver will be carrying the Onsemi livery on his car, the first time the design has been used for the 2024 season.
“It’s a shame that David’s recovery is longer than we all originally anticipated,” said 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 IndyCar 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 resume, especially for his young age, and he’s eager to work with us and put his driving to the test in the NTT IndyCar Series.”
It is not yet known if Malukas will be recovered in time for the following weekend’s race at Barber Motorsports Park, and Arrow McLaren has deferred announcement of the driver for that race until next week.
