On Sunday, Théo Pourchaire was aboard the Peugeot 9X8 for the end-of-season rookie tests in Bahrain. A visibly convincing test that could herald good news for next season?
After a season full of twists and turns, Théo Pourchaire, reserve driver for Sauber, has sampled a number of championships. Engaged in partial programs in IndyCar and Super Formula, he seems to be open to exploring new horizons. The Frenchman, crowned FIA F2 champion in 2023, made a notable foray into Endurance during the Bahrain rookie test this Sunday. The initiative, proposed by Peugeot Sport, allowed him to try out for the first time behind the wheel of the Peugeot 9X8. A competitive prototype at the end of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) season.
The 8 Hours of Bahrain having closed the 2024 season the day before, teams turned to new talents for the traditional rookie test. The Grassois first completed two test laps in the morning before continuing with 17 additional laps in the afternoon. “I follow endurance a lot, so I had a general idea of what to expect. I did a bit of simulator work, and everyone welcomed me very well, the engineers, the mechanics, and all the staff. I was able to prepare in advance at Peugeot.
Then it’s my job to adapt as a driver. The first laps were new with the track traffic when approaching a GT that is quite a bit slower than us. I was cautious; I knew the precautions to take, and I used a lot of headlight flashes. I think I don’t have many friends in GT tonight in the paddock!”
Plenty to Learn
An experience that clearly delighted him, as shown by a video published by Peugeot Sport, where you can see the young driver’s enthusiasm.
“It was a great experience. I’m super happy to have been able to drive. The last time was in July in Toronto in IndyCar, and it wasn’t even initially planned. And driving in HyperCar is a new experience. I had never done that in a closed car, much larger, more powerful, heavier… There are plenty of things to learn, and I loved it. Honestly, driving with Peugeot, a great team and a good atmosphere with the podium we got yesterday (Saturday: Ed.), everyone was smiling, so it was super cool.”
However, his program for 2025 remains uncertain. Could his participation in this test mark the beginning of a deeper collaboration with Peugeot? The talent and determination of Théo Pourchaire suggest a potential opening into Endurance. An area where career opportunities are multiplying for young talented drivers. A door is now open for the young Frenchman in this demanding discipline, where he could carve out a lasting place. “I am still looking, but of course, I try to search in all possible categories, and endurance is a fairly strong option for me because it’s where there are the most opportunities for drivers these days. So another world championship, I would love to race here.”
