Photo credit: www.motorsport.com
Ryo Hirakawa to Drive for Alpine at the Japanese Grand Prix
Ryo Hirakawa is set to take the wheel of Jack Doohan’s Alpine during the opening practice session of the 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka circuit this weekend.
With a distinguished career as the Toyota World Endurance Championship champion, Hirakawa has joined the Alpine team as a reserve driver this season, transitioning from a similar role at McLaren in the previous year.
Hirakawa made his Formula 1 weekend debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, substituting for Oscar Piastri in a McLaren MCL38. Expressing his enthusiasm, the Japanese driver stated, “I’m very excited, I can’t wait to drive the A525 in Free Practice 1 this weekend.” This marks his first of four required rookie outings in different grand prix races this year, with two sessions scheduled for each car.
Reflecting on his journey, he recalled, “Looking back to 18 years ago, to 2007, the first time I went to watch the Japanese Grand Prix, it was at Fuji and was a different track. It was Formula 1 in Japan. Since then, I embarked on my racing career, and to drive during this weekend is going to be a dream come true.”
Ryo Hirakawa, Alpine
Photo by: Pirelli
Hirakawa expressed his readiness, underscoring the preparation that has gone into this opportunity: “I have got everything prepared; we did simulator work in Enstone a few days ago, and I’m going to enjoy the moment. Hopefully, the weather is good; it will be a short session, but I will enjoy it and do my best for the team to hopefully input some direction on set-up.” He also took a moment to thank the team for their support and the chance he’s been given.
Jack Doohan, who has been navigating his rookie season under significant scrutiny as Alpine builds its reserve driver pool, noted Hirakawa’s extensive experience. He commented, “He has a lot of experience here, so it will be good to take some of that knowledge for the weekend.”
Hirakawa has a rich background in Japan’s Super Formula, competing between 2013 and 2023 in a series that consistently challenges drivers with speeds comparable to Formula 1 and includes races at Suzuka.
Sources indicate that Hirakawa left McLaren’s reserve driver program for Alpine after being presented with a more promising path to a possible Formula 1 drive, especially given the long-term commitments of Piastri and Lando Norris at McLaren.
A two-time WEC champion with Toyota, Hirakawa achieved significant success by winning the 2022 Le Mans 24 Hours, marking the early days of the Hypercar era in endurance racing. His contract with Toyota also positions him as an unofficial reserve driver for the Haas team, which maintains a technical partnership with the Japanese manufacturer, having participated in recent F1 end-of-season and Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) sessions for them.
Source
www.motorsport.com