Reserve at McLaren F1 in 2024, Ryo Hirakawa is moving to the Alpine F1 camp this season with the role of test and reserve driver.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver in the World Endurance Championship will also take part in free practice 1 at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka next April at the wheel of the A525.
???????? Alpine F1 adds Ryo Hirakawa to test and reserve driver roster for 2025
“It is an honor to join BWT Alpine Formula One Team as a test and reserve driver for the 2025 seasonstated Ryo Hirakawa. As always, the opportunity to spend time on track behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car represents the pinnacle for drivers. I’m excited about driving in front of my home crowd in Free Practice 1 of the Japanese Grand Prix, but also about working with the team to test old cars. Working with a team so committed to exploiting the full range of experience of its drivers is a fantastic opportunity and I look forward to having a role there.role to play to make 2025 a positive year. »
-The announcement took place ahead of the Tokyo Auto Salon which takes place from January 10 to 12.
“It’s great to welcome Ryō to the team for 2025 and it will also be great to have him behind the wheel during FP1 in Japanin front of his audience, explains Oliver Oakes, team principal of Alpine Formula One Team. His arrival brings a diverse cross-section of experience to our current group of drivers while expanding the talent pool available to us throughout the season. His role will be important in supporting the team in different areas of development through our TPC program and our simulator work. We therefore look forward to welcoming him as we continue our preparations for the new season. »
Toyota Gazoo Racing already has a foot, albeit indirect, in Formula 1 since the technical collaboration with Haas F1.
