Alpine have announced that Ryo Hirakawa – one of their reserve drivers for 2025 – will get behind the wheel of the A525 in front of his home crowd during Free Practice 1 at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Hirakawa – who previously enjoyed his debut practice run with McLaren at last year’s season finale in Abu Dhabi – has extensive experience across different categories of motorsport, having competed in various single-seater and endurance championships.
This saw him take victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022, while he is also a two-time Hypercar champion in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Now, after previously testing Formula 1 machinery for McLaren and Haas, Hirakawa will get his first taste of a 2025 car during his home event at the Suzuka Circuit, with the 31 year old set to take over Jack Doohan’s challenger for the session.
I’m very excited, I can’t wait to drive the A525 in Free Practice 1 this weekend. I’m looking back to 18 years ago to 2007, the first time I went to watch the Japanese Grand Prix, it was a different track, Fuji, but it was Formula 1 in Japan. Since then, I started my racing career and now to drive during the weekend is going to be a dream come true, I just can’t wait. 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. I just want to add my appreciation to everyone at the team for the opportunity and support.
Hirakawa on the news.
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