SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 18, 2024 – Peugeot Sport is giving young racing talents Théo Pourchaire and Clément Novalak the opportunity to test drive the PEUGEOT 9X8 Hypercar at the Rookie Test in Bahrain on November 3rd. This test, held annually after the final round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, allows young drivers to gain experience with the team and the 9X8 Hypercar.
Pourchaire and Novalak, both former Formula 2 drivers, have demonstrated their potential in various racing series. Pourchaire, a member of the FFSA Academy, has achieved numerous podiums and won the FIA Formula 2 Championship. He has also gained experience in Super Formula and IndyCar, serving as a Formula 1 reserve driver. Novalak, the 2019 British Formula 3 Champion, has competed in the Formula 2 World Championship and has transitioned to endurance racing with podium finishes in the European Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Olivier Jansonnie, Technical Director of Peugeot Sport, expressed his enthusiasm for the Rookie Test, stating, "For Team Peugeot TotalEnergies, these Rookie Tests in Bahrain bring a fresh perspective, even though reconditioning the cars after the race requires a lot of work from the entire team. It is always very motivating and rewarding to see young drivers arrive with wide eyes, discovering the team, the car, etc."
Jansonnie highlighted the diverse profiles of the two drivers, noting Pourchaire's single-seater orientation and Novalak's endurance experience. He believes their feedback will be valuable to the team.
The Rookie Test will consist of two test sessions, each lasting several hours, providing Pourchaire and Novalak with ample time to familiarize themselves with the PEUGEOT 9X8.
Expressing his excitement about the opportunity, Novalak stated, "It's an important step in my transition from single-seaters to endurance racing. I couldn't dream of a better team, given its incredible history in the discipline, to make my debut in the Hypercar category. I'm really looking forward to learning as much as possible from such an experienced team during what promises to be a very formative and enriching day for me."
Pourchaire shared his enthusiasm, stating, "It will be a new experience for me as it will be the first time I drive an endurance car, a Hypercar. It's almost a different sport for me, completely different from what I was used to in Formula 2, as a reserve F1 driver, or in Indycar. I'm excited to discover the FIA WEC World Endurance Championship. I think it's a dream for every driver to be able to race in this championship one day, especially with the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is the greatest race in the world. Having this first experience in endurance racing is fantastic, and I'm looking forward to returning to Bahrain, a circuit I particularly love. It's a great track with a very powerful car, and it's an amazing opportunity."