Ryo Hirakawa has left Alpine to become a Formula 1 reserve driver for Haas immediately after impressing for Alpine in the Japanese Grand Prix Practice at Suzuka.
Having been a Toyota affiliated driver throughout his career and won two World Endurance Championship titles and a Le Mans 24 Hours with the firm.
The 31 year old Japanese driver, seemed a good fit for Haas given its new relationship with Toyota and he had already driver for – and impressed – the team in Abu Dhabi post season testing last year.
But in early January Hirakawa was a surprise announcement as another Alpine reserve driver, joining Franco Colapinto and Paul Aron in the team’s pool.
It was stated he would carry out simulator work and Testing of Previous Car (TPC) running, as well as driving for the team in Suzuka opening practice.
Hirakawa’s other practice outings for Haas this season will take place in Spain, Mexico and Abu Dhabi,
It’s great to welcome Ryō to MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and have his experience bolster our knowledge and understanding of the VF-25. His feedback was very detailed at the post-season test last year, so being able to provide Ryo valuable track time across four different circuits this year will help the entire team. As part of our collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing, it’s great to welcome new talent into the team – it’s a real pleasure to work with a racer of his driving acumen.
Haas team principal, Ayao Komatsu.
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