Formula 2 champion to run majority of IndyCar season aside from Indy 500

Reigning FIA Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire has been chosen by Arrow McLaren to compete in the remainder of the IndyCar season apart from the Indy 500, according to IndyCar.com.

The Frenchman will fill the seat left vacant by David Malukas, who suffered an injury to his left wrist after a mountain bike accident in preseason.

Pourchaire has already driven peerless on his two IndyCar starts this season, taking the "Biggest Mover" title on his debut at Long Beach after climbing from 22nd at the start to 11th place at the checkered flag.

He will drive at this weekend's Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. The track's relatively flat 2.5-mile layout may provide a circuit more similar to what the Frenchman drove while ascending Formula 1's junior categories. 

Per IndyCar.com, Pourchaire said, "The NTT IndyCar Series has some of the best racing in motorsport, and now I can say that with experience.

“I'm excited to take on this challenge with Arrow McLaren for the rest of the season. This is a special opportunity, and I am committed to learning and improving as we get on track each race weekend. 

"I’ve enjoyed my first two races with the team, and I know we have plenty of potential in front of us. Of course, I would like to thank Zak (Brown), Gavin (Ward) and Tony (Kanaan), as well as the Sauber F1 Team, for making this all possible.”

The 20-year-old was scheduled to compete in a full season of the Super Formula series in Japan and raced in the opening round at Suzuka, but will forgo that commitment. 

Due to the lack of ovals in Europe, the Arrow McLaren driver has very little experience on that type of track and has never raced on an oval. 

Pourchaire is becoming more familiar with that type of circuit, having completed a test at World Wide Technology Raceway. 

Being trusted by Arrow McLaren to compete in multiple of the remaining IndyCar rounds marks a new chapter in the FIA F2 champions' career after getting agonizingly close to Formula 1.

The F1 door may still be open, and at just 20 years old, he has time on his side to reach the pinnacle of motorsport. 

But in 2024, Pourchaire will surely take full advantage of an opportunity to race IndyCar in America.

The Arrow McLaren team has had a mixed start to the year. Pato O'Ward inherited the win at St. Pete amid Team Penske's push-to-pass scandal. This was followed by a disappointing weekend at Barber, with none of their three cars finishing inside the top 20. 

Arrow McLaren's newest recruit becomes the second Frenchman on the grid alongside former Formula 1 driver Juncos Hollinger Racing's Romain Grosjean.