Alpine have announced that Japanese racer Ryo Hirakawa will be added to the team’s test and reserve driver pool for the 2025 season, joining the already confirmed Paul Aron.
Hirakawa will bring wide-ranging motorsport experience to Alpine, having competed in various single-seater and endurance championships, as well as recently testing Formula 1 machinery with McLaren and Haas.
READ MORE: 5 things to be excited about as F1 gears up for the 2025 season
He claimed overall victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 and is a two-time Hypercar champion in the FIA World Endurance Championship (2022 and 2023).
Hirakawa made his FP1 debut with McLaren at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi
Hirakawa’s test and reserve role at Alpine will involve him participating in the team’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme and supporting with car development and technical understanding via their simulator.
After a maiden practice run with McLaren in Abu Dhabi last year, and an appearance at the post-season test with Haas, the 30-year-old will also get an FP1 outing on his home soil at the Japanese Grand Prix in April.
“It is an honour to be joining BWT Alpine Formula One Team as a Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 season,” said Hirakawa, who entered the F1 scene in 2024 as part of McLaren’s Driver Development Programme.
“As always, the opportunity of track time in Formula 1 machinery is the pinnacle for race drivers and I am excited to drive in Free Practice 1 in front of my home crowd at the Japanese Grand Prix, as well as working with the team testing previous cars.
“It is a great opportunity to be working with such a dedicated team that utilises the breadth of experience of its driver pool and I look forward to playing a part in making 2025 a positive year together.”
Oliver Oakes, Team Principal, BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team, added: “It is great to bring Ryo on board with the team for 2025 and have him step in to take over driving duties for FP1 in Japan in front of his home crowd.
F1 ROOKIES QUIZ: How much do you know about the new drivers set to hit the Grand Prix grid in 2025?
“His addition brings a diverse range of racing experience to our current roster and expands the pool of talent available to call upon throughout the season.”
As for Alpine’s regular drivers, Pierre Gasly will contest a third campaign with the squad in 2025, while former F3 championship runner-up and F2 race winner Jack Doohan takes over from Haas-bound Esteban Ocon.
RACE TICKETS – AUSTRALIA
Don’t miss your chance to be at the first Grand Prix of 2025 and experience the season-opener in Melbourne…