FIA World Endurance Champion Ryo Hirawaka has been named an Alpine Formula 1 test and reserve driver per a Thursday announcement.
The Japanese driver has a wealth of experience in Super Formula, Super GT and FIA WEC.
With the Toyota squad, Hirakawa won the 2022 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA WEC title twice (2022, 2023).
He will now participate in TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programmes with Alpine as well as competing in FP1 at this year’s Japanese Grand Prix.
This will build on testing and practice outings he’s already completed with McLaren and Haas.
“It is an honour to be joining BWT Alpine Formula One Team as a Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 season,” Hirakawa said.
“As always, the opportunity of track time in F1 machinery is the pinnacle for race drivers and I am excited to drive in Free Practice 1 in front of my home crowd at the Japanese GP, as well as working with the team testing previous cars.
“It is a great opportunity to be working with such a dedicated team that utilises the breadth of experience of its driver pool and I look forward to playing a part in making 2025 a positive year together.”
Alpine expanding F1 talent pool
Hirakawa’s signing adds to the Alpine driving roster and helps fill the reserve driver void vacated by recently appointed race driver Jack Doohan.
Hirakawa joins Paul Aron in Alpine’s reserve squad and Team Principal Oliver Oakes is happy to have the Japanese driver on board.
“It is great to bring Ryō 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,” Oakes said.
“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.”
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