Japanese Driver Ryo Hirakawa to Drive Jack Doohan’s Alpine in F1 Debut
Get ready for an exciting weekend as Ryo Hirakawa, the renowned Toyota World Endurance Championship champion, takes the wheel of Jack Doohan’s Alpine in the opening practice session at this year’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Hirakawa Joins Alpine as Reserve Driver for the Season
After serving as a reserve driver for McLaren last season, Hirakawa has now joined Alpine for the current season. This move offers him an opportunity to make his Formula 1 debut.
Last year, Hirakawa made his F1 weekend debut at the Abu Dhabi GP, replacing Oscar Piastri in a McLaren MCL38. Now, he’s eagerly anticipating his first drive with Alpine.
A Lifelong Dream Realized
For Hirakawa, driving during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend is more than just a professional opportunity; it’s a dream come true. Reflecting on his journey that began 18 years ago when he first watched the Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji, he expresses his excitement and gratitude for this incredible moment.
Having prepared thoroughly, including simulator work in Enstone, Hirakawa is ready to seize the opportunity and do his best for the team. He also extends his appreciation to everyone at Alpine for the chance they’ve given him.
Doohan Welcomes Hirakawa’s Experience
Jack Doohan, under pressure due to Alpine‘s stockpiling of reserve drivers, acknowledges the value that Hirakawa’s extensive experience at Suzuka can bring to their weekend performance.
Hirakawa’s Impressive Racing Career
A veteran of Japan’s Super Formula, which is the national single-seater championship hitting F1 speeds and racing multiple times a year at Suzuka, Hirakawa left McLaren‘s reserve driver fold to join Alpine for better prospects in his quest for an F1 debut.
As a double WEC champion with Toyota, Hirakawa also holds an unofficial reserve driver role for Haas due to its technical partnership with the Japanese manufacturer. He has recently completed F1 end-of-season and Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) running for the American squad.
