F2 champion Pourchaire appointed Peugeot test and development driver
Team Peugeot TotalEnergies has appointed Théo Pourchaire as a test and development driver for its FIA World Endurance Championship programme, following the French star’s promising performance in the Bahrain Rookie Test earlier this month.
Pourchaire has already established a strong reputation in single-seater competition – highlighted by clinching the 2023 FIA Formula 2 Championship crown – and the 21-year-old will now expand his skillset in endurance racing as he embarks upon an exciting new chapter with FIA WEC Hypercar category outfit Team Peugeot TotalEnergies.
Behind the wheel of the Peugeot 9X8, Pourchaire impressed the Satory-based squad with his driving, analytical ability and professionalism in Bahrain, convincing senior personnel to entrust him with a crucial role in refining and preparing the car. He is eager to get going.
“I’m very excited to join Peugeot Sport as a development driver for the upcoming season,” enthused the Grasse native. “This is an incredible opportunity. I see it as a fresh start, as endurance racing is a new challenge for me.
“I really enjoyed the Rookie Test, which went very well. The Peugeot 9X8 is a very powerful car, and unlike anything I’ve driven before. Endurance cars are highly-advanced and cutting-edge in terms of their technology, making them similar to Formula 1. I’m grateful to Team Peugeot TotalEnergies for offering me this chance. I can’t wait to begin!”
The recruitment reflects Team Peugeot TotalEnergies’ commitment to nurturing rising talents while continuously improving its cars to compete with the very best in endurance racing. In his new role, Pourchaire will participate in private test sessions and contribute to the 9X8’s technical development. He will also be ready to step in during a race weekend, should one of the team’s regular drivers be unavailable.
“We’re delighted to welcome Théo to Team Peugeot TotalEnergies,” commented Peugeot Sport Technical Director, Olivier Jansonnie. “During the Rookie Test, he demonstrated great potential and an in-depth understanding of our car’s unique features.
“Théo brings a fresh perspective thanks to his single-seater experience, which is a valuable asset for the development of our endurance programme. We are keen to work with him and fully integrate him into our team.”
