Crew Impul revealed on Tuesday that Barnicoat will step into its #19 automobile for this weekend’s second spherical of the season, following final week’s information that Theo Pourchaire is not going to return to the Japanese collection to deal with IndyCar with Arrow McLaren.
Lexus IMSA SportsCar Championship full-timer Barnicoat had his first style of Tremendous Formulation equipment in final December’s post-season check with TOM’S, setting the quickest time within the ultimate rookies-only session.
However, having travelled to Japan straight off the again of final weekend’s Laguna Seca IMSA spherical, Barnicoat is beneath no illusions as to the problem he faces at Autopolis.
“To get the decision up from Toyota was unimaginable,” Barnicoat instructed Autosport/Motorsport.com. “I felt like I did a very good job after I drove for TOM’S, however I undoubtedly didn’t anticipate to be in a race seat.
“It’s so last-minute so it’s been laborious to arrange, however I’m actually trying ahead to it. Autopolis appears to be like like a enjoyable monitor, fairly quick and flowing, much like Suzuka, which is sweet as a result of I can take what I discovered there and hopefully it gained’t be too far off.
“It is going to be a bodily demanding race. I really feel like I’m in good condition, however these vehicles are a lot sooner than GT3 vehicles, so will probably be fairly a giant bodily problem.
“I really feel like I’m good at adapting to new conditions rapidly and that’s a power of mine. However that is fairly excessive!”
Theo Pourchaire, ITOCHU ENEX TEAM IMPUL
Picture by: Masahide Kamio
Pourchaire’s sudden departure from Tremendous Formulation got here off the again of a disappointing opening spherical of the season at Suzuka, the place the Frenchman completed 18th.
Barnicoat nevertheless says he isn’t discouraged by Pourchaire’s struggles, highlighting Ryo Hirakawa’s victory at Autopolis with Impul in 2022.
“Theo had a tricky time at Suzuka, however the workforce has achieved nice outcomes prior to now,” he stated. “Solely a few years in the past Ryo [Hirakawa] gained at Autopolis.
“So that they know what they’re doing they usually have a wealth of expertise. I’m certain they will educate me so much.”
Barnicoat is barely confirmed at Impul for this weekend’s Autopolis spherical, and the 27-year-old harassed he stays content material along with his present IMSA duties with Lexus and isn’t holding out any hope of a full-time return to single-seaters.
“Being life like, I haven’t raced single-seaters for 4 years,” stated Barnicoat, referring to his FIA F3 and Euroformula Open outings with Carlin in 2020.
“I feel I did a very good job within the rookie check, however no one is anticipating me to come back right here and win. I simply need to do a stable job like I did at Suzuka and fill that void whereas they seek for a full-time alternative.
“I will do one of the best job I can, after which something that comes off the again of that, I’ll see it as a bonus. I don’t suppose this may change the path of my profession or something.”
Motorsport.television will present dwell protection of all Tremendous Formulation races in 2024, together with this weekend’s second spherical at Autopolis.
