The 19-year-old Frenchman, who currently sits second in the FIA Formula 2 points standings, will make his first appearance in the Alfa Romeo C42 at the Circuit of the Americas after driving a 2019 Alfa in a private test at the Hungarian Ring. August.
He will replace Valtteri Bottas at COTA, with Zhou Guanyu’s debut in Bahrain counting towards the team’s allowance of providing two rookie sessions.
Alfa Romeo has also announced that Pourchaire will be promoted to reserve driver duties for 2023, this role having been filled this year by Robert Kubica.
“I am delighted to make my free practice debut in Austin,” said Pourchaire, who won three F2 races in his second season in the championship at the Bahrain Sakhir, Imola and Spa circuit.
“It will be my second time driving a Formula 1 car, but in some ways it will feel like the first time, because this time it will be in an official Grand Prix session.
“It’s like a dream come true, and I want to thank Alfa Romeo for trusting me and giving me this incredible opportunity.
“I’m looking forward to being on track, and I’ll make sure I make the most of it and do my best to support the team as they prepare for the United States Grand Prix.”
Pourchaire’s debut had been planned for his home Grand Prix at Paul Ricard, before the cancellation of the Russian Grand Prix prompted F2 to move its support race to the French GP round. It was decided by Alfa Romeo team boss Frederic Vasseur that Pourchaire would not drive the Alfa to any rounds with a contentious F2 event.
Theo Pourchaire, Alfa Romeo
Photo by: Alfa Romeo
Vasseur hailed Pourchaire’s progress since joining the Sauber Academy in 2019, after finishing second to Oscar Piastri in the 2020 FIA Formula 3 Championship and becoming F2’s youngest ever winner when he won the Monaco race last season.
“Theo has delivered great performances this season, as well as in previous years,” remarked Vasseur.
“We have worked closely with him for almost four years now, as a member of our Academy, and we have been impressed with his steady progress and development as a driver first and, just as importantly , as a person.
“We are delighted to give him his first free practice outing next week: it’s a well-deserved opportunity, and I’m sure he will impress us once again with his performance as he will help the team to collect valuable data ahead of the United Grand Prix of the United States.”
Pourchaire won’t be the only rookie to get FP1 mileage in Austin, as 2021 Formula 2 runner-up Robert Shwartzman gets his first race with Ferrari, while Logan Sargeant will run for Williams.
Antonio Giovinazzi meanwhile will get his final outing with Haas, who it was announced this week will manage Pietro Fittipaldi in Mexico and Abu Dhabi.
The 19-year-old Frenchman, who currently sits second in the FIA Formula 2 points standings, will make his first appearance in the Alfa Romeo C42 at the Circuit of the Americas after driving a 2019 Alfa in a private test at the Hungarian Ring. August.
He will replace Valtteri Bottas at COTA, with Zhou Guanyu’s debut in Bahrain counting towards the team’s allowance of providing two rookie sessions.
Alfa Romeo has also announced that Pourchaire will be promoted to reserve driver duties for 2023, this role having been filled this year by Robert Kubica.
“I am delighted to make my free practice debut in Austin,” said Pourchaire, who won three F2 races in his second season in the championship at the Bahrain Sakhir, Imola and Spa circuit.
“It will be my second time driving a Formula 1 car, but in some ways it will feel like the first time, because this time it will be in an official Grand Prix session.
“It’s like a dream come true, and I want to thank Alfa Romeo for trusting me and giving me this incredible opportunity.
“I’m looking forward to being on track, and I’ll make sure I make the most of it and do my best to support the team as they prepare for the United States Grand Prix.”
Pourchaire’s debut had been planned for his home Grand Prix at Paul Ricard, before the cancellation of the Russian Grand Prix prompted F2 to move its support race to the French GP round. It was decided by Alfa Romeo team boss Frederic Vasseur that Pourchaire would not drive the Alfa to any rounds with a contentious F2 event.
Theo Pourchaire, Alfa Romeo
Photo by: Alfa Romeo
Vasseur hailed Pourchaire’s progress since joining the Sauber Academy in 2019, after finishing second to Oscar Piastri in the 2020 FIA Formula 3 Championship and becoming F2’s youngest ever winner when he won the Monaco race last season.
“Theo has delivered great performances this season, as well as in previous years,” remarked Vasseur.
“We have worked closely with him for almost four years now, as a member of our Academy, and we have been impressed with his steady progress and development as a driver first and, just as importantly , as a person.
“We are delighted to give him his first free practice outing next week: it’s a well-deserved opportunity, and I’m sure he will impress us once again with his performance as he will help the team to collect valuable data ahead of the United Grand Prix of the United States.”
Pourchaire won’t be the only rookie to get FP1 mileage in Austin, as 2021 Formula 2 runner-up Robert Shwartzman gets his first race with Ferrari, while Logan Sargeant will run for Williams.
Antonio Giovinazzi meanwhile will get his final outing with Haas, who it was announced this week will manage Pietro Fittipaldi in Mexico and Abu Dhabi.