Toyota World Endurance Championship driver Ryo Hirakawa has joined Alpine as a test and reserve driver and will make one appearance in a Formula 1 practice session this year.
Hirakawa, 30, won the WEC drivers’ title twice with Toyota, and shared victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours with Sebastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley in 2022. He made his F1 practice debut with McLaren in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year and also tested for the team.
Alpine has now confirmed he will undertake a similar role for them this year. He will take advantage of driving opportunities under F1’s testing of previous cars regulations. Hirakawa will also get to drive for the team in the first practice session for his home event, the Japanese Grand Prix, on April 4th.
“It is great to bring Ryo on board with the team for 2025 and have him step in to take over driving duties for FP1 in Japan in front of his home crowd,” said Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes. “His addition brings a diverse range of racing experience to our current roster and expands the pool of talent available to call upon throughout the season.
“His role will be important in providing the team with support in various areas of development through our TPC programme and simulator work, and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the team as we press ahead with preparations for the new season.”
Hirakawa joins Formula 2 driver Paul Aron as one of Alpine’s reserves for 2025. “The opportunity of track time in Formula One machinery is the pinnacle for race drivers and I am excited to drive in free practice one in front of my home crowd at the Japanese Grand Prix, as well as working with the team testing previous cars,” he said.
View the current list of 2025 F1 drivers and teams
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