Thursday, January 9, 2025

Hirakawa joins Alpine F1 crew as take a look at and reserve driver

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 just lately with McLaren as a part of its driver improvement 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 12 months after which additionally drove for Haas through the younger driver take a look at that adopted, because of his hyperlinks with Toyota.

Whereas Alpine has been linked with a transfer for Franco Colapinto as a possible reserve choice, it has now confirmed Hirakawa will be a part of Paul Aron as finishing up simulator and testing of earlier automotive (TPC) duties.

“It’s an honor to be becoming a member of BWT Alpine Components 1 crew as a take a look at and reserve driver for the 2025 season,” Hirakawa mentioned. “As at all times, the chance of monitor time in Components 1 equipment is the top for race drivers and I’m excited to drive in Free Apply 1 in entrance of my residence crowd on the Japanese Grand Prix, in addition to working with the crew testing earlier automobiles.

“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 look ahead to enjoying a component in making 2025 a optimistic 12 months collectively.”

Alpine crew principal Oliver Oakes says Hirakawa’s extra expertise in WEC, Tremendous Components and Tremendous GT makes him a robust 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 mentioned. “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 shall be essential in offering the crew with assist in varied areas of improvement by 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.”

 

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