Théo Pourchaire Joins Peugeot as Development Driver, Embracing a New Chapter in Endurance Racing
A year after lifting the FIA F2 champion crown, Théo Pourchaire embarks on a new journey, steering his talents towards the world of endurance racing. Having yet to secure a spot in Formula 1, the Grasse native has set his sights on the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and will join the prestigious Peugeot Sport team as a development driver, marking a pivotal stage in his burgeoning career.
From Single-Seaters to Endurance Prototypes: A New Challenge Awaits
This exciting move comes after Pourchaire gained valuable experience behind the wheel of an endurance prototype. Without a formal racing commitment for three months following his brief foray into IndyCar in the United States, he took the opportunity to test the waters in a different racing environment.
During the WEC Rookie Test at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir on November 3, Pourchaire completed 19 laps, acquainting himself with the complexities of the Peugeot 9X8. This exhilarating experience proved to be a decisive factor in his decision to pursue a career in endurance racing.
A Promising Future Beckons: Pourchaire’s Role at Peugeot Sport
“I am very happy to join Peugeot Sport; it’s a wonderful opportunity,” Pourchaire expressed, clearly enthusiastic about this new chapter. “I see it as a new start. For me, endurance is a new challenge.” Reflecting on his experience at the Rookie Test, Pourchaire added: ” I really liked it, which went very well. The Peugeot 9X8 is a very powerful car, different from what I have had the opportunity to drive. Endurance cars are very accomplished cars, at the cutting edge of technology, which brings them closer to Formula 1. I thank Peugeot and I look forward to starting this new role.”
Pourchaire’s arrival at Peugeot marks a significant step in his development as a driver, replacing young Dane Malthe Jakobsen, who is slated for a 2025 WEC debut. In his role as development driver, Pourchaire will play a crucial role in refining the performance of the Peugeot 9X8. He will actively participate in testing sessions throughout the season, providing valuable feedback to the engineering team, helping to push the limits of this hypercar.
A Strategic Addition to the Peugeot Team
Olivier Jansonnie, technical director of Peugeot Sport, expressed the team’s delight at welcoming Pourchaire: “We are very pleased to welcome Théo Pourchaire to Peugeot as a development driver.” Jansonnie elaborates on the young driver’s immense potential:
“During the Rookie Test in Bahrain, he showed great potential and a keen understanding of the specifics of our car. Théo brings a new perspective thanks to his single-seater experience, which is a valuable asset for the development of our endurance program. We look forward to working with him and fully integrating him into our team.”
Pourchaire’s arrival at Peugeot Sport signals a promising new chapter in his motorsports journey. His impressive single-seater experience will undoubtedly prove instrumental as he contributes to the development of the Peugeot 9X8. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation, and fans eagerly anticipate the results of this promising collaboration.
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How will Théo Pourchaire’s skills and experience from his successful single-seater career contribute to his role as a development driver for Peugeot Sport?
## Interview with Théo Pourchaire
**Host:** Théo, congratulations on joining Peugeot Sport as a development driver! This is a big move, shifting from single-seaters to endurance racing. What prompted this decision?
**Théo Pourchaire:** Thank you! It’s a wonderful opportunity, and I see it as a new start. For me, endurance is a new challenge, something I’m really excited to explore.
**Host:** You recently tested the Peugeot 9X8 at the Bahrain Rookie Test. What was that experience like, and how did it contribute to your decision?
**Théo Pourchaire:** I really enjoyed the test. It went very well. The Peugeot 9X8 is a very powerful car, truly different from anything I’ve driven before. Endurance cars are very accomplished machines, and I knew right away that I wanted to be a part of this world. [[1](https://peugeot-sport.com/en/2024/11/28/theo-pourchaire-rejoint-le-team-peugeot-totalenergies-en-tant-que-pilote-dessai-et-de-developpement/)]
**Host:** You’ve had a remarkable career in single-seaters, culminating in the FIA F2 championship last year. Are there any skills from that experience that you’ll be bringing to your new role?
**Théo Pourchaire:** Absolutely. My experience in single-seaters has taught me a lot about racecraft, car control, and working with a team. Those skills will be valuable in endurance racing as well.
**Host:** What are your goals for this new chapter with Peugeot Sport?
**Théo Pourchaire:** I’m eager to learn as much as I can about endurance racing and contribute to the development of the Peugeot 9X8. This is a really exciting time for Peugeot Sport, and I’m thrilled to be a part of their journey.
**Host:** Théo Pourchaire, thank you for your time and best of luck in this exciting new chapter
