Toyota protege and former member of McLaren’s improvement programme, Ryo Hirakawa has been appointed Alpine’s take a look at and reserve driver.
Inside his position, he’ll take part within the group’s Testing of Earlier Vehicles programme and help with automobile improvement and technical understanding utilizing the group’s simulator all through 2025. He may even drive in Free Observe 1 on the Japanese Grand Prix (04 April) at Suzuka.
Hirakawa brings a wealth of expertise to the French group having competed throughout numerous disciplines together with Tremendous System, Endurance, and Tremendous GT in addition to having examined F1 equipment with McLaren in 2023 and 2024.
The Japanese driver most notably took total victory on the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 and is a two-time Hypercar Champion within the FIA World Endurance Championship (2022 and 2023).
“It’s an honour to be becoming a member of Alpine for the 2025 season,” stated Hirakawa. “As all the time, the chance of observe time in System One equipment is the top for race drivers and I’m excited to drive in Free Observe 1 in entrance of my dwelling crowd on the Japanese Grand Prix, in addition to working with the group testing earlier automobiles.
“It’s a nice alternative to be working with such a devoted group that utilises the breadth of expertise of its driver pool and I stay up for taking part in an element in making 2025 a constructive 12 months collectively.”
“It’s nice to carry Ryo on board with the group for 2025 and have him step in to take over driving duties for FP1 in Japan in entrance of his dwelling crowd,” added Oliver Oakes. “His addition brings a various vary of racing expertise to our present roster and expands the pool of expertise out there to name upon all through the season.
“His position might be necessary in offering the group with help in numerous areas of improvement by way of our TPC programme and simulator work, and we’re trying ahead to welcoming him to the group as we press forward with preparations for the brand new season.”
