While doubts surround in recent hours the presence of Jack Doohan as second driver in 2025, with the Colapinto threat, the Alpine F1 team announced another important news by expanding its team. Ryō Hirakawa officially arrives as test and reserve driver for the 2025 season. The Japanese driver, double FIA Hypercar world champion and winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022, will bring his diverse experience in endurance, Super GT, Super Formula and F1 tests.
Hirakawa at the wheel during free practice in Japan
Hirakawa will actively participate in Alpine’s development program, notably via the simulator and testing of old F1 cars (TPC). Highlight of this collaboration: he will take the wheel of the A525 during Free Practice 1 of the Japanese Grand Prix, in front of his home crowd at Suzuka. After gaining initial experience in F1 with McLaren and Haas, Hirakawa joined Alpine, a decision made easier by links between Toyota and Oliver Oakes, director of the French team. He joins a talent pool that includes Paul Aron and Victor Martins.
The main person concerned is delighted with this opportunity: “Joining Alpine is an honor. Driving an F1 car remains an exceptional moment, and doing it in Japan will be even more special. I look forward to contributing to the development of the team. » For Oliver Oakes, this arrival strengthens Alpine: “Ryō brings a unique range of experience which will be essential for our development. Its participation in the TPC program and the simulator will play a key role in our objectives in 2025.” This announcement was made official in the run-up to the Tokyo Auto Salon.
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To summarize
On the Alpine side, we have formalized in recent hours the arrival of a new reserve driver for the coming season. Indeed, Ryō Hirakawa, double FIA Hypercar world champion, has officially signed up with the French team.
