Alpine has added Toyota-backed Ryo Hirakawa as a take a look at and reserve driver, and can run him in FP1 on the Japanese Grand Prix in April.
Hirakawa was most not too long ago with McLaren as a part of its driver growth program, and was one of many crew’s reserve drivers in 2024. The Japanese driver took half in FP1 on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix final yr after which additionally drove for Haas through the younger driver take a look at that adopted, due to his hyperlinks with Toyota.
RACER understands the transfer for Hirakawa brings his time with McLaren to an finish, whereas future plans with Haas — that has a Toyota partnership — are undefined. Haas is predicted to run Ritomo Miyata at some stage when its TPC program kicks off later this month
Whereas Alpine has been linked with a transfer for Franco Colapinto as a possible reserve possibility, it has now confirmed Hirakawa will be a part of Paul Aron as finishing up simulator and testing of earlier automobile (TPC) duties.
“It’s an honor to be becoming a member of BWT Alpine System 1 crew as a take a look at and reserve driver for the 2025 season,” Hirakawa stated. “As at all times, the chance of observe time in System 1 equipment is the top for race drivers and I’m excited to drive in Free Observe 1 in entrance of my residence crowd on the Japanese Grand Prix, in addition to working with the crew testing earlier vehicles.
“It’s a nice alternative to be working with such a devoted crew that makes use of the breadth of expertise of its driver pool and I stay up for taking part in an element in making 2025 a constructive yr collectively.”
Alpine crew principal Oliver Oakes says Hirakawa’s extra expertise in WEC, Tremendous System and Tremendous GT makes him a powerful asset that the crew can lean on.
“It’s nice to deliver Ryo on board with the crew for 2025 and have him step in to take over driving duties for FP1 in Japan in entrance of his residence crowd,” Oakes stated. “His addition brings a various vary of racing expertise to our present roster and expands the pool of expertise accessible to name upon all through the season.
“His function will likely be essential in offering the crew with help in varied areas of growth by means of our TPC program and simulator work, and we’re trying ahead to welcoming him to the crew as we press forward with preparations for the brand new season.”