Arrow McLaren announced on Thursday that French driver Thèo Pourchaire will make his NTT INDYCAR SERIES race debut in place of David Malukas in the No.6 onsemi Chevrolet this weekend in Long Beach.
Gavin Ward, Team Principal, Arrow McLaren, said:
“It’s a shame that David’s recovery is longer than we all originally anticipated. 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. Théo 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.”
Théo Pourchaire, Driver, said:
“This is an amazing opportunity to drive with such a legendary team in a legendary motorsport series like the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. 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, Gavin and Tony 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.”
Pato O’Ward in the No.5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet is looking forward to the race in Long Beach saying:
I love going back to Long Beach. It hasn’t been our best race as a team, but it means we have another opportunity to change that around this year. We had very fast cars there last year, so I expect to have similar pace there this year. A nice, clean race is the objective for us this weekend. I’m looking forward to getting out there.”
Alexander Rossi in the No.7 VELO Chevrolet is looking forward to his ho.e race saying:
It feels like forever since the first race in St. Pete as so much has happened since then, but we’re excited and ready to get to Long Beach. It’s one of the flagship races on the calendar and my favorite for a lot of reasons, primarily because of the amazing fan turnout that we always have. I feel confident in where we’re at as a team and can’t wait to get on track to show that to the world.”
Gavin Ward is looking forward to the team getting back on track this weekend saying:
We’re headed west for an incredibly exciting and important race weekend in Long Beach. It’s been a while since we’ve raced for points, so this is a big one as we continue pushing towards a championship and the Month of May. We know we have the pace to compete at the front of the pack this weekend, but it will be about sticking with our plan through the weekend and then having a clean race on Sunday. This is such an iconic venue, and we love seeing all the fan and partner support in Long Beach. On top of all of the INDYCAR racing, we’re thrilled that Tony will also have the unique opportunity to drive the M16, McLaren’s first Indy 500 winner from 1974. We’re looking forward to seeing all the papaya out and about this weekend and hopefully we give them a reason to celebrate.”