Today marked the first Super Formula race of the 2024 season. A frustrating race weekend for the driver from Grasse, Théo Pourchaire.
Théo Pourchaire, the big winner of the 2023 Formula 2 season. The driver from Grasse did not manage to secure a seat to transition into Formula 1 for the 2024 season. Therefore, according to the current regulations, the champion of Formula 2 is not allowed to participate in the championship for the two seasons following his title.
For the 2024 year, we find him in the Super Formula championship in Japan. Behind the wheel of a Toyota, he joins the Itochu Emex Team Impul. A year starting slowly for the young driver, despite a promising pre-season. Théo Pourchaire did not shine during the qualifications on the Suzuka circuit.
A frustrating weekend for the driver from the French Riviera
After an underwhelming qualifications session for the young driver, placing 16th on the starting grid. His race start complicates things, as he falls to 19th place. During the first lap, his teammate Yuji Kunimoto collides with the Kondo Racing driver, Kazuto Kotaka. Théo Pourchaire then manages to gain two places on the grid. On the 17th lap, Théo Pourchaire goes off track at the NIPPO corner, causing damage to his car. He then makes his pit stop to replace his entire damaged front wing. After this rather lengthy pit stop, he returns to 19th place.
Tomoki Nojiri wins the race, followed by Kenta Yamashita in second place and Naoki Yamamoto taking third place on the podium. Théo Pourchaire manages to finish in 18th place, scoring no points for the drivers’ standings.
