Toyota World Endurance Championship driver Ryo Hirakawa has joined Alpine as a check and reserve driver and can make one look in a Formulation 1 follow session this yr.
Hirakawa, 30, gained the WEC drivers’ title twice with Toyota, and shared victory within the Le Mans 24 Hours with Sebastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley in 2022. He made his F1 follow debut with McLaren within the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix final yr and likewise examined for the group.
Alpine has now confirmed he’ll undertake an identical position for them this yr. He’ll make the most of driving alternatives underneath F1’s testing of earlier automobiles laws. Hirakawa may even get to drive for the group within the first follow session for his house occasion, the Japanese Grand Prix, on April 4th.
“It’s nice to convey Ryo on board with the group for 2025 and have him step in to take over driving duties for FP1 in Japan in entrance of his house crowd,” stated Alpine group principal Oliver Oakes. “His addition brings a various vary of racing expertise to our present roster and expands the pool of expertise out there to name upon all through the season.
“His position can be essential in offering the group with assist in numerous areas of growth by means of our TPC programme and simulator work, and we’re trying ahead to welcoming him to the group as we press forward with preparations for the brand new season.”
Hirakawa joins Formulation 2 driver Paul Aron as one among Alpine’s reserves for 2025. “The chance of observe time in Formulation One equipment is the head for race drivers and I’m excited to drive in free follow one in entrance of my house crowd on the Japanese Grand Prix, in addition to working with the group testing earlier automobiles,” he stated.
View the present record of 2025 F1 drivers and groups
Advert | Turn into a RaceFans supporter and
Formulation 1
Browse all Formulation 1 articles
