Ryo Hirakawa is set to contest opening practice at the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix with Alpine this weekend.
Hirakawa, 31, is a star of the FIA World Endurance Championship, having enjoyed overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 with Toyota, in addition to two Hypercar titles.
The Japanese driver signed on to Alpine’s reserve pool in January, with his remit being to assist with TPC [Testing of Previous Car] running, technical support and simulator testing.
Hirakawa contests FP1 at his home GP, following a post-season test run with Haas in Abu Dhabi last year and a practice outing with McLaren at the Yas Marina Circuit.
“I’m very excited, I can’t wait to drive the A525 in Free Practice 1 this weekend,” Hirakawa said.
“I’m looking back to 18 years ago to 2007, the first time I went to watch the Japanese Grand Prix, it was a different track, Fuji, but it was Formula One in Japan.
“Since then, I started my racing career and now to drive during the weekend is going to be a dream come true, I just can’t wait.
“I have got everything prepared, we did simulator work in Enstone a few days ago and I’m going to enjoy the moment.
“Hopefully the weather is good, it will be a short session, but I will enjoy it and do my best for the team to hopefully input some direction on set up.
“I just want to add my appreciation to everyone at the team for the opportunity and support.”
Doohan hopes to learn from Hirakawa
Hirakawa contests FP1 in place of Alpine rookie Jack Doohan.
Doohan has had to contend with constant media speculation around his future, and missing a practice session at a circuit as fearsome as Suzuka makes the rookie Australian’s task to get settled into the weekend a bit harder.
However, Doohan has shown strong mental resolve and hopes to build on his Asian F3 experience at Suzuka, plus Hirakawa’s knowledge of the circuit, in order to have a successful Japanese GP.
“The circuit is one I particularly love,” said Doohan.
“I have raced there previously in Asian F3, but this will be my first time experiencing it in Formula One machinery which will provide a whole new challenge with its high speed and high-risk high-reward nature.
“I’ll be in the car from Free Practice 2 as Ryo drives in Free Practice 1.
“He has a lot of experience here so it will be good to take some of that knowledge for the weekend.
“The aim will be to make the most of the weekend and score some all-important points for the team.”
READ MORE – Ryo Hirakawa named Alpine F1 test and reserve driver
