Le Mans 24 Hours winner Ryo Hirakawa has joined Alpine’s System 1 group as its check and reserve driver.
Having beforehand been part of McLaren’s driver growth 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 assist the event of the automotive with an energetic position within the group’s simulator.
The 30-year-old may even get a follow outing on the Japanese Grand Prix, his house occasion, in April.
“It’s an honour to be becoming a member of BWT Alpine System 1 Staff as a Check and Reserve Driver for the 2025 season,” stated Hirakawa.
“As at all times, the chance of monitor time in System One equipment is the top for race drivers and I’m excited to drive in Free Apply 1 in entrance of my house crowd on the Japanese Grand Prix, in addition to working with the group testing earlier automobiles.
“It’s a nice alternative to be working with such a devoted group that utilises the breadth of expertise of its driver pool and I stay up for enjoying a component in making 2025 a optimistic yr collectively.”
Jack Doohan, Alpine A524
Picture by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
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 group, and Hirakawa even acquired an opportunity to pattern its 2024 automotive on the Abu Dhabi younger driver check in December, whereas retaining his hyperlinks with McLaren.
He now joins Alpine’s reserve driver roster that additionally contains System 2 race winner Paul Aron.
“It’s nice to carry Ryo on board with the group for 2025 and have him step in to take over driving duties for FP1 in Japan in entrance of his house crowd,” stated Alpine group principal Oliver Oakes.
“His addition brings a various vary of racing expertise to our present roster and expands the pool of expertise accessible to name upon all through the season.
“His position will likely be necessary in offering the group with assist in numerous areas of growth by means of our TPC programme and simulator work, and we’re wanting ahead to welcoming him to the group 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 System 2 to accomplice Pierre Gasly. Doohan will exchange Esteban Ocon, who will likely be racing for Haas this yr.
On this article
Rachit Thukral
System 1
Ryo Hirakawa
Alpine
Be the primary to know and subscribe for real-time information electronic mail updates on these subjects
Subscribe to information alerts
