Le Mans 24 Hours winner Ryo Hirakawa has joined Alpine’s Method 1 crew as its take a look at and reserve driver.
Having beforehand been part of McLaren’s driver improvement programme, Hirakawa will change to Alpine in 2025 and tackle an expanded position with the Renault Group model.
He’ll take part in Alpine’s TCP (testing of earlier automobiles) programme and help the event of the automobile with an energetic position within the crew’s simulator.
The 30-year-old may also get a observe outing on the Japanese Grand Prix, his residence occasion, in April.
“It’s an honour to be becoming a member of BWT Alpine Method 1 Staff as a Take a look at and Reserve Driver for the 2025 season,” stated Hirakawa.
“As at all times, the chance of monitor time in Method One equipment is the top for race drivers and I’m excited to drive in Free Follow 1 in entrance of my residence crowd on the Japanese Grand Prix, in addition to working with the crew testing earlier automobiles.
“It’s a nice alternative to be working with such a devoted crew that utilises the breadth of expertise of its driver pool and I sit up for enjoying an element in making 2025 a optimistic 12 months collectively.”
Jack Doohan, Alpine A524
Picture by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photos
Hirakawa has lengthy been related to Toyota and continues to race for the Japanese model within the Hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship, the place he’s a two-time champion.
Toyota had not too long ago signed a technical partnership with Haas F1 crew, and Hirakawa even obtained an opportunity to pattern its 2024 automobile on the Abu Dhabi younger driver take a look at in December, whereas retaining his hyperlinks with McLaren.
He now joins Alpine’s reserve driver roster that additionally consists of Method 2 race winner Paul Aron.
“It’s nice to deliver Ryo on board with the crew for 2025 and have him step in to take over driving duties for FP1 in Japan in entrance of his residence crowd,” stated Alpine crew principal Oliver Oakes.
“His addition brings a various vary of racing expertise to our present roster and expands the pool of expertise obtainable to name upon all through the season.
“His position shall be vital in offering the crew with help in numerous areas of improvement via our TPC programme and simulator work, and we’re wanting ahead to welcoming him to the crew as we press forward with preparations for the brand new season.”
Alpine can have an up to date driver line-up in 2025, with rookie Jack Doohan stepping up from Method 2 to companion Pierre Gasly. Doohan will change Esteban Ocon, who shall be racing for Haas this 12 months.
On this article
Rachit Thukral
Method 1
Ryo Hirakawa
Alpine
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