Haas have introduced the signing of Ryo Hirakawa from Alpine (Getty Pictures)
have introduced the signing of Ryo Hirakawa as its reserve driver for the 2025 season, with the previous take a look at driver set to function this weekend on the .
Japanese driver Hirakawa, 31, was certainly one of 4 reserve drivers at Alpine and drove rather than Jack Doohan in first observe at his residence observe in Suzuka on Friday.
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But Hirakawa, who races for Haas companion within the World Endurance Championship, has been snapped up by compatriot Ayao Komatsu, Haas’ group principal, and can participate in 4 observe classes for Haas this 12 months.
His first look will probably be in Ollie Bearman’s automobile in FP1 on Friday in Bahrain. Hirakawa additionally drove for Haas within the post-season take a look at in Abu Dhabi final 12 months.
“I’m driving my first FP1 session in Bahrain, so for me to have pushed at two race weekends in a row is thrilling, and I can’t wait to get to Bahrain,” Hirakawa stated.
“I wish to thank Komatsu, Haas Group, Morizo [Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation] and Toyota Gazoo Racing for this chance, it’s a brand new problem for me and I can’t wait to get began.”
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Hirakawa, who will even function in observe in Barcelona, Mexico and Abu Dhabi, solely joined Alpine within the low season from a testing function at McLaren.
He completed twelfth in FP1 on Friday, above teammate Pierre Gasly, and has impressed these throughout the paddock together with his expertise and skillset.
Hirakawa drove for Alpine in observe in Japan on Friday (Getty Pictures)
“It’s nice to welcome Ryo to Haas F1 Group and have his expertise bolster our data and understanding of the VF-25,” stated Komatsu.
“His suggestions was very detailed on the post-season take a look at final 12 months, so having the ability to present Ryo precious observe time throughout 4 completely different circuits this 12 months will assist your complete group.
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“As a part of our collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing, it’s nice to welcome new expertise into the group – it’s an actual pleasure to work with a racer of his driving acumen.”
Hirakawa gained the 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans occasion with Toyota and in addition gained the WEC title that 12 months.
Alpine, in the meantime, nonetheless have three reserve drivers within the type of Paul Aron, Kush Maini and Franco Colapinto, with the latter hotly tipped to switch Jack Doohan within the cockpit in some unspecified time in the future in 2025.
