F2 champion Theo Pourcher enjoyed his first experience driving a Japanese Super Formula car during testing at the Suzuka circuit. At the end of the two-day session he showed the seventh result, in collaboration with the Team Impul team, and the transition to Super Formula is a much more realistic prospect than dreaming about Formula 1.
Pourcher will continue to serve as Sauber’s reserve driver, but the role will not include active on-track work until the 2024 season.
“I think that as F2 champion I deserve a place in Formula 1,” Formula Scout quotes Pourcher. – But the situation is what it is, this is life. I think Super Formula is a great series and these cars are very fast. This was my first time visiting Japan, they have great people and a very different culture. Moreover, I discovered the Suzuka circuit for the first time, and it is an absolutely crazy circuit, very difficult and fast.
Before I went there I spoke to several Formula 1 drivers and everyone always said: “Suzuka is a great circuit, one of my favorites.” I listened and thought I had never driven there before, but now I was introduced to Super Formula and had a very interesting experience at Suzuka.
Becoming F2 champion doesn’t mean you get a place in F1; there is no such rule. But to be honest, I’m a bit angry because I won the F2 title, but I’ve also shown good results in the past. I tried my best. At the Sauber Academy I was given the task of winning this championship, and I won it.
But now it is important to continue racing in 2024, so Super Formula was the best option to prepare for 2025. Sometimes driving an F1 car during testing is good, but it is very expensive, and not every Formula 1 team can afford it. Unfortunately, I don’t think I will get that opportunity at the Sauber Academy. Although I hope that I will actively work on the simulator.
I will probably also do two training sessions, because the rule still applies that teams are obliged to give newcomers the opportunity to work on the track. Although Japan is of course very far from Europe. However, using the example of Liam Lawson, we saw that he took part in Super Formula and became vice-champion, but was still able to spend five races in F1 and immediately showed good speeds.”
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
