The reigning Formula 2 champion, Theo Pourchaire, is stepping into the primary driver role for the No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet team, starting from the upcoming race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. This transition comes after Pourchaire made two prior starts as a substitute for the injured David Malukas, who has been released from his contract due to unavailability for the current season.
Expressing his excitement for the opportunity, Pourchaire acknowledges the competitive nature of the NTT IndyCar Series and his commitment to learning and improving with the team throughout the season. Grateful for the opportunity, he extends his thanks to key figures such as Zak Brown, Gavin Ward, Tony Kanaan, and the Sauber F1 Team, which he’s also affiliated with as a reserve driver.
Pourchaire’s debut with Arrow McLaren saw him achieve an impressive finish on the Streets of Long Beach, followed by a challenging race at Barber Motorsports Park, where he was involved in an incident with his teammate Pato O’Ward. Recently, he had his first experience on an oval track during testing at Gateway, showcasing his adaptability and potential for growth in the series.
Gavin Ward, the Arrow McLaren Team Principal, expresses the team’s enthusiasm for continuing to work with Pourchaire, emphasizing his quick learning ability and belief in his potential to excel in the NTT IndyCar Series. The focus now shifts towards further development and translating Pourchaire’s learning into tangible results alongside the No. 6 team.
While Pourchaire is set to compete in upcoming races, the driver for the No. 6 entry in the prestigious Indy 500 event remains unannounced. The event media guide lists Callum Ilott, who previously raced in the opening two events for Arrow McLaren. The team’s strategic decisions and lineup adjustments reflect their commitment to optimizing performance and securing competitive outcomes in the series.