Alpine will run one of its reserves in EL1 in Japan

There will be two Japanese on track during Free Practice 1 of the Japanese Grand Prix. In addition to Yuki tsunoda with Red Bull, Alpine announced that Ryo Hirakawa would be on track during the first practice session of his home event at Suzuka. The Japanese driver was recruited at the start of the season as a reserve driver, a position he previously held for McLaren en Formula 1. With the Woking team, he had competed in FP1 of the last GP of the year in 2024, in Abu Dhabi. On the Yas Marina circuit, Ryo Hirakawa had also participated in the post-season tests, this time with Haas.

“I’m really excited and looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the A525 this Friday in Free Practice 1. I think back to 2007, eighteen years ago, when I attended the Japanese Grand Prix for the first time.” recalls the 31-year-old pilot.  “It was on another circuit, Fuji, but it was already Formula 1 in Japan. Since then, I have started my career and this week will see a dream come true. I am really looking forward to it. Everything is ready, we worked a few days ago on the simulatorenstone and I'm going to savor this moment. I hope the weather is good. It will be a short session, but I want to enjoy it and do my best for the team while contributing to the direction of the setup. I just want to add that I express my gratitude to the entire team for their support and this opportunity."

Ryo Hirakawa is familiar with the Suzuka circuit, having raced on it in Super GT. The Kure native has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 with the Toyota No. 8, with whom he will be competing again this year. At Suzuka, he will replace Jack Doohan, who will therefore only have two driving sessions to prepare for his fourth weekend in Formula 1.

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Driving at home 🇯🇵🏡

At this weekend's #JapaneseGP, @ryohirakawa will be getting his first taste of 2025 machinery during Friday's FP1 session. pic.twitter.com/44DWSfLBgx

—BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) April 1, 2025