F1: Theo Pourchaire set for FP1 debut in Austin

Theo Pourchaire will make his FP1 debut at the US Grand Prix next weekend, driving for Alfa Romeo.

Each team must field a driver in two FP1 sessions this season that has not competed in more than two Grands Prix in F1, and Alfa are giving Pourchaire a shot at the Circuit of the Americas.

The Frenchman has been part of the Sauber academy since 2019 and has impressed in junior formula, and many expect him to be pushing for an F1 seat in the coming years.

Indeed, in 2023 he is also going to be Alfa's reserve driver with the team confirming that news alongside the announcement around FP1 next weekend.

Reacting to the news, Pourchaire had this to say:

“I am thrilled to be making my Free Practice debut in Austin; it will be my second time behind the wheel of a Formula One car, but in some ways, it will feel like it’s the first time, as this time it will be during an official Grand Prix session.

"It feels like a dream coming true, and I want to thank Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN for putting their trust in me and granting me this amazing opportunity: I am looking forward to being on track, and I will make sure to get the most out of it and to do my best to support the team as they prepare for the United States Grand Prix.”

Frédéric Vasseur, team principal at Alfa, had this to say: “Théo has been delivering great performances over the course of this season, as well as during the previous years: we have been working closely with him for almost four years now, as a member of our Academy, and we have been impressed by his constant progress and development as a driver first and, equally 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 confident