24h Le Mans
Young Frenchman Théo Pourchaire will make his maiden appearance at the wheel of the Peugeot 9X8 at the 2025 8 Hours of Bahrain before officially joining Team Peugeot TotalEnergies for the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship.
The burgeoning career of 22-year-old Théo Pourchaire has reached another milestone. The current development driver will replace Stoffel Vandoorne in the #94 Peugeot 9X8 from the final round of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship campaign in Bahrain before stepping up to official works driver next season.
The 2022 FIA Formula Two champion discovered the French hypercar during the 2024 Rookie Test in Bahrain. His analytical capacity, rigorous approach and strong commitment convinced Peugeot Sport to appoint him as a test driver in 2025. This year has seen Pourchaire notch up numerous private tests and simulator sessions at the team’s Satory facility. He also made his endurance début in LMP2, taking pole position at Imola (ELMS) and an eighth place in class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“Théo continues his learning process with the 9X8, and this race represents a logical step in his integration into the Hypercar program,” said Peugeot Sport Technical Director Olivier Jansonnie. “After a strong season in ELMS and steady progress, Théo has shown that he has the qualities required to perform at the highest level of endurance racing. Making his WEC début in Bahrain naturally fits with his journey alongside the team.”
Vandoorne will vacate his position after the 2025 6 Hours of Fuji. “On behalf of Team Peugeot TotalEnergies, I would like to thank Stoffel for his professionalism, commitment, and all the experience he has shared with us over these two years. The whole team wishes him the very best for the future of his career,” said Jansonnie.
Pourchaire will join Loïc Duval and Malthe Jakobsen in the #94 Peugeot 9X8. “I am super happy — thank you to Team Peugeot TotalEnergies for making my dream of becoming a professional racing driver come true,” beamed Pourchaire. “I am proud to represent Peugeot, a brand with a rich motorsport history that has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I can’t wait to take the start of this legendary race in the top category behind the wheel of the Peugeot 9X8.”
With this appointment, Peugeot is continuing its policy of encouraging budding talent. Pourchaire is the second driver named for 2026 after Nick Cassidy.
