After making his Formula 1 debut with Alfa Romeo in a private test at the Hungaroring, Théo Pourchaire believes he’s got a few tricks up his sleeve for Monza, although the Frenchman is keeping his cards close to his chest.

The ART Grand Prix driver ran the 2019 Alfa Romeo C38 in the test at the start of August and got the chance to soak up some knowledge from the team’s F1 crew, but he said he won’t be revealing any secrets.

“It was a dream for me,” said Pourchaire. “Working with a Formula 1 team of more than 30 people, all of them trying to help me, was amazing. The car was so fast, it felt amazing around the high-speed corners, and you can break a lot later.

“Everything is better, it is just insane, and I will never forget it. I learned a few things, but I cannot say a lot, it’s a bit of a secret, but I hope that it can help me.

READ MORE: My mid-season report card: Théo Pourchaire

Pourchaire has one pole position and one victory so far this season
Pourchaire has one pole position and one victory so far this season

“My target is to one day reach Formula 1. My name has been associated with F1 seats the past few days, but I’m just focused on F2. I really want to achieve my dream one day and that’s extra motivation for me.”

Returning home to France, Pourchaire enjoyed a well-earned break before ramping up his preparations for the second half of the season with time in the gym and on the simulator.

The 18-year-old has one pole and one victory so far, sitting sixth in the standings with 65 points, but saw Rounds 3 and 4 hampered by a fractured wrist that he suffered in the final race at Baku.

“Before I did anything, I needed to get my wrist better because at Silverstone it was really painful,” Pourchaire continued. “I’ve had a long gap to take care of that and to prepare myself physically. It’s been a long wait, but I’m ready to race again.

READ MORE: Five things we’ve learned from the first half of the season

Pourchaire is sixth in the standings with 65 points
Pourchaire is sixth in the standings with 65 points

“I feel 100% ready for Monza. The arm is still not as good as it was before the accident, but it is another world compared to Silverstone. I am much better physically and super motivated.

“My pace was really good at the beginning of the year, the first four rounds were really good in that sense, but unfortunately, I’ve had some issues. My injury, mechanical failures, the slow starts at Silverstone, and so P6 in the Championship doesn't feel like my real position, I am quite confident about that. I need to be perfect as a driver and make zero mistakes. I know that I can do it.”