F3 runner-up Pourchaire steps up to F2 with ART GP for 2021

ART Grand Prix have promoted Formula 3 runner-up Theo Pourchaire to Formula 2 on a full-time basis for the upcoming 2021 season.

The 17-year-old took the F3 paddock by surprise by becoming the championship’s youngest ever race winner at the second round of the 2020 season (then aged 16), before putting in a title challenge.

Pourchaire, who is a member of the Sauber Academy, followed up his historic maiden win with another victory at the next race in Hungary and recorded a further six podiums as he missed out on the title by just three points to eventual champion Oscar Piastri.

The Frenchman ended his successful 2020 with two outings in F2 with HWA Racelab at the end of the year, before earning a full-time graduation to the top tier of junior motorsport with ART GP, who he raced for in F3.

“I am very happy to be able to continue with ART Grand Prix,” said Pourchaire, who took part in post-season F2 testing with the French squad. “This team gave me the opportunity to drive in F3 last year and now accompanies me to the gates of Formula 1, in F2.

“This year my aim does not change, I'm still aiming for the top. I would like to thank Sauber Academy, ART Grand Prix, my sponsors and my family. I feel perfectly ready for this new season.

“I will probably be the youngest driver in the F2 championship this year, so the goal will be to gain as much experience as possible and to progress throughout the season.”

Prior to his sensation rookie F3 campaign, Pourchaire claimed back-to-back titles in the junior French F4 Championship, before going on to be crowned ADAC F4 champion the following year.

ART GP team principal Sebastien Philippe said: “Theo's progress has been remarkable since his debut in motorsports. F4 champion in 2019, he ended last season as F3 runner-up. Beyond the final result, he impressed the team by his evolution in a delicate context and with an extremely competitive field.

“Théo had nothing to gain by doing a second season in F3 and his move to F2 is the logical next step of our collaboration. The step is high, but between his talent, his determination and his thirst for learning, I'm sure he can make this transition a success.”