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Ryo Hirakawa has been announced as the official reserve driver for Haas for the remainder of the 2025 season
The Japanese star had been part of Alpine’s stable
running in FP1 for the French team over the Japanese Grand Prix weekend in Suzuka
But now the 31-year-old has been signed by Haas to provide back up to Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon for the rest of this year
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Hirakawa has gathered F1 experience for a number of teams
while he has run in a number of practice sessions
He also drove for Haas in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi last December
Hirakawa currently competes for Toyota GAZOO Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship
and is also a 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans winner
He has further experience over multiple disciplines; including Super Formula and Super GT
Hirakawa will help with car development alongside his role as reserve driver 
“I’m excited to join MoneyGram Haas F1 Team
and I’m really looking forward to a new journey with the team,” Hirakawa said
“I’m driving my first FP1 session in Bahrain
so for me to have driven at two race weekends in a row is exciting
Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation) and Toyota GAZOO Racing for this opportunity
it’s a new challenge for me and I can’t wait to get started.”
Hirakawa will be taking over Bearman’s cockpit this coming weekend in Bahrain
one of four FP1 outings he will have in the VF-25 this season
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He will also drive in Spain in place of Ocon
before sessions in Mexico and Abu Dhabi later on in the autumn
Kush Maini and Paul Aron to call on should something happen to either of their current drivers
“It’s great to welcome Ryo to MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and have his experience bolster our knowledge and understanding of the VF-25,” said Ayo Komatsu
“His feedback was very detailed at the post-season test last year
so being able to provide Ryo valuable track time across four different circuits this year will help the entire team
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“As part of our collaboration with Toyota GAZOO Racing
it’s great to welcome new talent into the team – it’s a real pleasure to work with a racer of his driving acumen.”
Haas sit sixth in the <a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/results/2025/team" node="[object Object]">Teams’ Championship</a>
with 15 points from the first three Grand Prix weekends
They have already brought new upgrades to the VF-25
which worked well in Japan and Hirakawa will be charged with testing out plenty of other new parts in the simulator over the course of the season
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Ryo Hirakawa has moved to the Haas Formula 1 team as a reserve driver with immediate effect. Despite taking <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/alpine/24858/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alpine</a> driver Jack Doohan's spot in the first practice session in Japan as part of the rookie testing programme
the Japanese driver announced he was moving teams
He has now opened up on why he made this seemingly abrupt decision
While speaking to Motorsport.com and other media, Hirakawa was asked if part of the decision to move from Alpine was the number of reserve drivers the French team is contracted with, with the most recent signing being <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/franco-colapinto/875899/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Franco Colapinto</a>
meaning there could be "limited opportunity" to get a full-time spot in the team
Hirakawa also shared his excitement for the role with Haas and confirmed the "majority of the decision" was his
The 31-year-old shot down claims that he might be too old to enter F1
stating that it's still a goal of his but he is "just focusing on my job."
"I think it's gonna be a matter of how much I can do it
Hirakawa will step in for <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/oliver-bearman/947083/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oliver Bearman</a> in the Haas VF-25 in free practice 1 tomorrow at the Bahrain International Circuit
Hirakawa noted the extreme heat as a potential challenge
"I think it's quite a different track from Suzuka and it's a different type of corner and different type of circuit
I think I need to adapt to the car and the track as quickly as possible
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Toyota&#8217;s Ryo Hirakawa looks back on third season in WEC and how time in F1 machinery boosted his form&#8230;
Toyota driver Ryo Hirakawa believes that his experience of testing Formula 1 machinery last year has helped him raise his game in the FIA World Endurance Championship
Hirakawa has been part of Toyota&#8217;s Hypercar roster since the 2022 season
and his long-time ties with the Japanese manufacturer also opened the door to a test and reserve role in the McLaren F1 team starting in late 2023
As part of his duties for the Woking organization
Hirakawa has undertaken numerous private tests in previous-generation machinery with the 2021-spec MCL35M and the 2022-spec MCL36
and was handed the chance to make his official practice debut for the team in last year&#8217;s Abu Dhabi season closer
The 30-year-old Japanese also drove for Haas in last month&#8217;s post-season F1 test in Abu Dhabi as part of Toyota&#8217;s new affiliation with the U.S.-owned team
Hirakawa made the decision to give up participating in Super Formula
which he had contested in parallel to the WEC in 2022 and &#8217;23
to give himself more time to focus on his work in F1
a decision he feels has also made him stronger in the WEC
&#8220;The work I have been doing in Formula 1 has allowed me to see some new technology
which shows I can still improve on some stuff which can be reflected here [in the WEC],&#8221; Hirakawa told Sportscar365
there is a lot in terms of tire science that can be applied here
It’s good to know what those drivers are doing during a race week to improve the car and to improve the team
I feel like I was able to improve my driving quite a lot and understand well
&#8220;Sometimes I have a feeling that we should do it like this
but they use certain words that can help you understand better
&#8220;Since I tested there [at McLaren] I can have some words to explain what is happening
It changed a lot for thinking about driving
Of course you still do it with your instincts
Hirakawa and his teammates in Toyota&#8217;s No
helping Toyota claim the manufacturers&#8217; crown in an up-and-down season for the Japanese manufacturer that also featured a near miss in the 24 Hours of Le Mans
8 car led more laps than any other in the French endurance classic
but was ultimately classified fifth after Hartley was turned around at Mulsanne corner by Ferrari driver Alessandro Pier Guidi in the closing stages
but I feel like it’s good for everybody to improve,&#8221; said Hirakawa
&#8220;Of course Le Mans was the biggest disappointment
and the safety car came at the wrong moment
Our home race [at Fuji] was also disappointing
but now with so many manufacturers being so close
just one little mistake and you are out of the fight
&#8220;We were lacking a bit of luck somehow
so it’s been kind of frustrating because of that.&#8221;
Despite missing out on victory at Le Mans and being unable to fight for the drivers&#8217; title
Hirakawa believes that his performances in 2024 show that he is no longer lacking anything in relation to his more experienced co-drivers in the No
&#8220;I think already my first year I was sometimes at that level
I just needed to finish the stint without taking any risks,&#8221; he explained
&#8220;I was just being cautious not to make mistakes
&#8220;Since last year I’ve had some more battles and more moments where I need to push
I would say since last year I have been there
&#8220;This year has been challenging with a lot of new tracks
which I wasn&#8217;t able to do in my first two years
so for that reason I feel improvement in myself and I was happy with that performance.&#8221;
Jamie Klein is Sportscar365's Asian editor
who previously worked for Motorsport Network on the Motorsport.cоm and Autosport titles
covers the FIA World Endurance Championship and SUPER GT
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Ryo Hirakawa has left Alpine to become a Formula 1 reserve driver at Haas immediately after impressing for Alpine in Japanese Grand Prix practice at Suzuka
Having been a Toyota affiliated driver throughout his career and won two World Endurance Championship titles and a Le Mans 24 Hours with the firm
31-year-old Japanese driver Hirakawa seemed a good fit for Haas given its new relationship with Toyota and he had already driven for - and impressed - the team in Abu Dhabi post-season testing last year
But in early January Hirakawa was a <a href="https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/ryo-hirakawa-alpine-f1-2025-reserve-role/" rel="noreferrer">surprise announcement as another Alpine reserve driver</a>
joining Franco Colapinto and Paul Aron in the team's pool
He was slated to carry out simulator work and Testing of Previous Car (TPC) running
as well as driving for the team in Suzuka opening practice
Hirakawa starred in that outing last week - which was his second F1 practice appearance as his previous McLaren affiliation had also led to a drive in the Abu Dhabi Friday session last year
He was 12th fastest in first practice last Friday
But that's been followed by an immediate end to his association with Alpine
as he has left its programme to become a Haas reserve in a deal that provides another four Friday practice appearances - starting in Bahrain in place of Ollie Bearman later this week
The Race understands that when Hirakawa joined Alpine he thought it may have a better opportunity as Haas made it clear it could not offer an F1 race seat
the possibility of a formal Haas role never disappeared and Hirakawa has since determined - given his Toyota connection - that Haas is a better fit after all
Though his exit comes immediately after he completed his Suzuka run for Alpine
moves towards the end of that deal and a formal arrangement with Toyota-partnered Haas instead were put in motion well in advance of that
"It’s great to welcome Ryō to MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and have his experience bolster our knowledge and understanding of the VF-25," said Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu
"His feedback was very detailed at the post-season test last year
"As part of our collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing
it’s great to welcome new talent into the team – it’s a real pleasure to work with a racer of his driving acumen."
Hirakawa's other practice outings for Haas this season will take place in Spain
Following the news Alpine released the following statement on Monday evening
"It is always good to see drivers get further opportunities in the sport
so we are happy to see Ryo link up with another team in a test &amp; reserve driver role," Alpine said
"Ryo put in a strong performance in FP1 in Japan and made a lasting impression both on and off track with his professionalism and work ethic during his time at the team
"We wish him well for the future and for the next step in his career with Haas." 
Hirakawa is the only official reserve on Haas's books - although it could potentially call on technical partner Ferrari's standbys Antonio Giovinazzi and Zhou Guanyu if Hirakawa is unavailable as he continues with Toyota's WEC programme this season
While Haas's announcement focuses on Hirakawa's F1 practice appearances, the potential for him to get TPC running with the team - as Toyota junior <a href="https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/toyota-haas-deal-private-test-jerez-miyata/" rel="noreferrer">Ritomo Miyata did earlier this year</a> - also exists
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Haas confirms that Ryō Hirakawa has joined the team as a reserve driver and will participate in FP1 at the Bahrain GP
Ryō Hirakawa drove in the first practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix
taking the place of Jack Doohan at Alpine in one of the team’s four required rookie driver practice sessions
Hirakawa will be back in an F1 car for FP1 at next weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix
Haas announced on Monday that Hirakawa was joining the team as a reserver driver
Hirakawa drove for Haas during the team’s post-season test in Abu Dhabi last December
and drives for Toyota GAZOO Racing in the World Endurance Championship
Hirakawa will drive for Oliver Bearman in FP1 at the Bahrain Grand Prix, and will drive for Bearman in FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix later this season. <a href="https://www.haasf1team.com/news/moneygram-haas-f1-team-announces-ryo-hirakawa-official-reserve-driver">According to the announcement</a> Hirakawa will drive for Esteban Ocon at both the Spanish Grand Prix
and the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
and I’m really looking forward to a new journey with the team,” said Hirakawa in the announcement
Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation] and Toyota GAZOO Racing for this opportunity
“It’s great to welcome Ryō to MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and have his experience bolster our knowledge and understanding of the VF-25,” said Team Principal Ayao Komatsu
so being able to provide Ryō valuable track time across four different circuits this year will help the entire team
As part of our collaboration with Toyota GAZOO Racing
While this announcement notes that Hirakawa will drive in place of Bearman after replacing Jack Doohan
at last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix there are some stark differences between the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Japanese Grand Prix
Bahrain was the site of pre-season testing
where Bearman completed 197 laps over three days of driving the circuit
<a href="/author/rounak-tewari">Rounak Tewari</a> Author 
follow us  on whatsapp</a><a _ngcontent-serverapp-c2174819952 target="_blank" class="sbtn telegrambtn" href="https://bit.ly/SportsTigerOfficialTelegram">follow us  on telegram</a><a _ngcontent-serverapp-c2174819952 target="_blank" class="sbtn instagrambtn" href="https://bit.ly/sportstiger_official">follow us  on Instagram</a>Ryo Hirakawa has been announced as the official reserve driver for Haas for the remaining 2025 season
The Japanese star was part of Alpine’s reserve driver for the season however
Hirakawa will now ally with the American side for the remaining season
Alpine has the services of former Williams driver Franco Colapinto
Paul Aron and Kush Maini for the entire year
Hirakawa’s responsibility will be to look after all four rookie FP1 slots for Haas
kicking off at the upcoming weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix
The 31-year-old will also replace Bearman in Mexico and will supersede Esteban Ocon in Barcelona and Abu Dhabi FP1
“I am excited to join Haas <a href="https://www.sportstiger.com/news/watch-max-verstappen-secures-pole-position-ahead-of-lando-norris-at-f1-japanese-grand-prix">F1 </a>Team
and I’m really looking forward to a new journey with the team
I am driving my first FP1 session in Bahrain
and I can’t wait to get to Bahrain,” Hirawaka was quoted as saying
“I would like to thank [team principal Ayao] Komatsu-san
chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation] and Toyota Gazoo Racing for this opportunity
Hirakawa has been outstanding in his&nbsp;career
The Japanese bagged overall triumph at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 and is also a two-time Hypercar champion in the FIA World Endurance Championship (2022 and 2023)
He also possesses single-seater experience in Japan's domestic Super Formula category
“It’s great to welcome Ryo to Haas F1 Team and have his experience bolster our knowledge and understanding of the VF-25,” said the team’s boss Ayao Komatsu
so being able to provide Ryo valuable track time across four different circuits this year will help the entire team."
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Alpine have announced that Ryo Hirakawa – one of their reserve drivers for 2025 – will get behind the wheel of the A525 in front of his home crowd during Free Practice 1 at the Japanese Grand Prix
Hirakawa – who previously enjoyed his debut practice run with McLaren at last year’s season finale in Abu Dhabi – has extensive experience across different categories of motorsport
having competed in various single-seater and endurance championships
<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/all-the-2025-reserve-drivers-for-every-f1-team.rrmAe0qcgsARqNG07ZrqA" node="[object Object]">READ MORE: All the 2025 reserve drivers for every F1 team</a>
This saw him take victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022
while he is also a two-time Hypercar champion in the FIA World Endurance Championship
after previously testing Formula 1 machinery for McLaren and Haas
Hirakawa will get his first taste of a 2025 car during his home event at the Suzuka Circuit
with the 31-year-old set to take over Jack Doohan’s challenger for the session
I can’t wait to drive the A525 in Free Practice 1 this weekend,” said Hirakawa
the first time I went to watch the Japanese Grand Prix
I started my racing career and now to drive during the weekend is going to be a dream come true
we did simulator work in Enstone a few days ago and I’m going to enjoy the moment
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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.”
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The Haas Formula 1 team has announced it has signed <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/ryo-hirakawa/18819/">Ryo Hirakawa</a> as its 2025 reserve driver, with the Toyota endurance driver moving from <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/alpine/24858/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alpine</a>
Hirakawa was part of Alpine's reserve driver roster for this year, taking part in Friday's first practice in Japan instead of <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/jack-doohan/454760/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jack Doohan</a>
But as part of Toyota's technical alliance with Haas
Hirakawa will now move across to the American team for the remainder of the season
Hirakawa will take care of all four rookie FP1 slots for Haas, starting at this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix where he steps into Oliver Bearman's car. The 31-year-old Japanese will also deputise for Bearman in Mexico, and will replace <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/esteban-ocon/19624/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Esteban Ocon</a> in Barcelona and Abu Dhabi FP1
“I’m excited to join <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/haas-f1-team/471/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Haas F1 Team</a>
and I’m really looking forward to a new journey with the team,” he was quoted as saying
Hirakawa's F1 duties, which started at <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/mclaren/10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">McLaren</a> in 2023 and also included a Haas test in Abu Dhabi last year
form part of Toyota's goal to expose more of its top-line driver talent to F1 opportunities
with the Japanese giant absent from F1 as a works team since it pulled out at the end of 2009
Toyota has been a mainstay of the FIA World Endurance Championship and its Le Mans 24 Hours crown jewel
Hirakawa won the event with Toyota in 2022 and has also claimed two world championship titles in the top class
He also boasts plenty of single-seater experience in Japan's domestic Super Formula category
“It’s great to welcome Ryo to Haas F1 Team and have his experience bolster our knowledge and understanding of the VF-25,” said team boss Komatsu
“As part of our collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing
Following Hirakawa's departure Alpine still has three reserve drivers at its disposal this year – former <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/williams/13/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Williams</a> driver <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/franco-colapinto/875899/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Franco Colapinto</a>
Ryo Hirakawa will drive <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/jack-doohan/454760/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jack Doohan</a>’s <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/alpine/24858/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alpine</a> in opening practice for this weekend’s 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka
The Toyota World Endurance Championship champion has joined Alpine as a reserve driver for the season after fulfilling the same role at <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/mclaren/10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">McLaren</a> last year
Hirakawa made his F1 weekend debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP, replacing <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/oscar-piastri/828689/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oscar Piastri</a> in a McLaren MCL38
I can’t wait to drive the A525 in Free Practice 1 this weekend,” the Japanese driver said in an Alpine team statement
as he fulfills the first of four mandatory rookie outings in grands prix per team this year&nbsp;– two in each car
but it was Formula 1 in Japan.&nbsp;Since then
Doohan, who has started his rookie season under considerable pressure due to Alpine stockpiling reserve drivers, including ex-<a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/williams/13/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Williams</a> racer <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/franco-colapinto/875899/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Franco Colapinto</a>
acknowledged that Hirakawa “has a lot of experience here so it will be good to take some of that knowledge for the weekend”
Hirakawa raced in Japan’s Super Formula between 2013 and 2023 – the national single-seater championship that hits F1 speeds and races multiple times a year at Suzuka
Motorsport.com understands that Hirakawa left McLaren’s reserve driver fold to join Alpine because he was offered a better shot at one day making an F1 bow as Piastri and <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/lando-norris/289316/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lando Norris</a> are locked up at McLaren for several years
Hirakawa is a double WEC champion with Toyota
with which he won the 2022 Le Mans 24 Hours at the very start of the championship’s Hypercar era
His Toyota deal also means he is an unofficial reserve driver for Haas
which has a technical partnership with the Japanese manufacturer
and has completed F1 end-of-season and Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) running for the American squad in recent months
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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 <a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/f2-racer-paul-aron-joins-alpine-as-2025-f1-reserve-driver.5ngTBT8lQ3g4Zh3LF4ZbiG" node="[object Object]">the already confirmed Paul Aron</a>
Hirakawa will bring wide-ranging motorsport experience to Alpine
as well as recently testing Formula 1 machinery with McLaren and Haas
<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/5-things-to-be-excited-about-as-f1-gears-up-for-the-2025-season.4KGxU3lbBn5bIB7fALDnxy" node="[object Object]">READ MORE: 5 things to be excited about as F1 gears up for the 2025 season</a>
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
<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/oakes-expands-on-alpines-mercedes-pu-decision-as-he-explains-how-confident.4hcljEJeRDDIm9wIYxlnNX" node="[object Object]">READ MORE: Oakes expands on Alpine’s Mercedes PU decision as he explains how confident they are of a strong 2026</a>
“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
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.”
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
<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/f1-rookies-quiz-how-much-do-you-know-about-the-new-drivers-set-to-hit-the.20e4UsCKXEJVgIXukN0EQd" node="[object Object]">F1 ROOKIES QUIZ: How much do you know about the new drivers set to hit the Grand Prix grid in 2025?</a>
“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.”
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
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Le Mans 24 Hours winner Ryo Hirakawa has joined <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/alpine/24858/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alpine</a>’s Formula 1 team as its test and reserve driver
Having previously been a part of <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/mclaren/10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">McLaren</a>’s driver development programme
Hirakawa will switch to Alpine in 2025 and take on an expanded role with the Renault Group brand
He will participate in Alpine’s TCP (testing of previous cars) programme and support the development of the car with an active role in the team’s simulator
The 30-year-old will also get a practice outing at the Japanese Grand Prix
“It is an honour to be joining BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team as a Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 season,” said Hirakawa
the opportunity of track time in Formula One 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.&nbsp;
Hirakawa has long been associated with Toyota and continues to race for the Japanese brand in the Hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship
Toyota had recently signed a technical partnership with <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/haas-f1-team/471/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Haas F1 team</a>
and Hirakawa even got a chance to sample its 2024 car at the Abu Dhabi young driver test in December
He now joins Alpine’s reserve driver roster that also includes Formula 2 race winner Paul Aron
“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,” said Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes
“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.&nbsp;
“His role will be important in providing the team with support in various areas of development through our TPC programme and simulator work
and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the team as we press ahead with preparations for the new season.”
Alpine will have an updated driver line-up in 2025
with rookie Jack Doohan stepping up from Formula 2 to partner Pierre Gasly
its decision to hire 30-year-old Hirakawa was also curious
In Colapinto it has a plug-and-play driver with recent F1 experience who can step in in case of an emergency, or if the early performance of rookie <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/jack-doohan/454760/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jack Doohan</a> proves unsatisfactory
it has a chance to hone the talent of a youngster who performed exceptionally well in his rookie F2 season in 2024
There are also other members in its junior academy who are waiting in the wings
So where exactly does Hirakawa fit in the equation
Hirakawa has had an unusual route to international recognition
certainly when compared with his European counterparts
When Toyota was looking to reshuffle its line-up for the World Endurance Championship in 2022 and needed a new driver from its home country to replace Kazuki Nakajima
it had plenty of options to choose from its domestic portfolio
But it was 2017 Super GT champion Hirakawa who got the nod
what worked in Hirakawa’s favour was his short but proven track record in delivering results abroad
Super Formula and Super GT’s top drivers are nearly unbeatable when on home turf
but many of them simply struggle to perform at the same level when placed outside their comfort zone
Hirakawa was not only rapid in Japan’s domestic series
but he had shown that he can be quick in international competition
having scored three wins in nine races in the European Le Mans Series and helped G-Drive take the title in 2017
He had enough experience of multi-class sportscar racing
yet was young enough to form part of Toyota’s long-term plans
Hirakawa became just the fifth Japanese winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2022 and is a key cog in Toyota's WEC programme
For most people, success in the WEC - especially in a golden age of manufacturer competition - would be enough, but Hirakawa clearly had larger ambitions. It’s why towards the end of 2023 there was a surprise announcement from <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/mclaren/10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">McLaren</a> that he had joined the team as a reserve driver
The role has seen him drive the MCL35 (2020) and MCL36 (2022) under the TPC regulations in the last two years
while he also made his practice debut in Abu Dhabi in December
Toyota signed a technical partnership with Haas in F1
which paved the way for Hirakawa’s outing with the VF-24 in the Abu Dhabi rookie test last month - days after he had driven the title-winning McLaren
Given the new relationship between Toyota and Haas
it was safe to conclude that Hirakawa would eventually leave McLaren and join the American-flagged team at some point in the future
This would have been beneficial for Toyota as well
as it could install its ‘own man’ to help develop TGR engineers
that was one of Toyota’s main goals while announcing its ‘return’ to F1 for the first time since its works team pulled out after 2009
But clearly, Hirakawa doesn’t see a long-term future for himself at Haas. <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/esteban-ocon/19624/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Esteban Ocon</a> has a multi-year deal beginning in 2025, while <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/oliver-bearman/947083/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oliver Bearman</a> has already proved his credentials in F1
meaning a vacancy is unlikely to open up for a while
At least not until Bearman is ripe for a graduation to Ferrari
So when Alpine came calling over the winter break
a chance to potentially break into F1 was hard to refuse
There have been a number of rumours about the future of its new signing Jack Doohan following an under-the-radar debut at Yas Marina
with some suggesting that he might not make it to the end of the 2025 season
Even Alpine admitted that signing Colapinto in its roster gives him the “best chance of securing a race seat in 2025 or 2026”
lending further credence to the notion that Doohan’s seat is not secure beyond the opening lot of races
“I wasn’t satisfied with just driving in FP1 at Abu Dhabi last year
My ultimate goal is to compete in F1 as a full-time driver,” he said at the Tokyo Auto Salon
Hirakawa is now his own man - while still contracted to Toyota - and can pursue his ambitions independently
Hirakawa appeared for Haas in rookie test and was expected to have a bigger role in future as part of Toyota's tie-up with the team
Toyota as always is happy to heed to the wishes of Hirakawa, although not having him at Haas is a small setback for the manufacturer. The world’s largest automaker, with its Japanese mentality, has never stood in the way of its drivers; in recent years it has allowed Hartley and <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/kamui-kobayashi/7647/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kamui Kobayashi</a>
to race for Cadillac and even rival Honda’s Acura brand in the Daytona 24 Hours
“We received an offer directly from Alpine regarding Hirakawa,” Toyota’s global motorsport director Masaya Kaji told Motorsport.com Japan
“We have worked with teams like McLaren and Haas in the past
He expressed his desire to challenge himself as a driver and aim for a regular seat
so we decided to support him in pursuing this path.”
Hirakawa has upped his game since he first stepped into the WEC three years ago
His 2024 campaign was easily the best of his short stint in Hypercar and played a small role in Toyota defending its manufacturer crown against stern opposition from Ferrari and Porsche
like several other drivers from Europe and elsewhere
he no longer sees himself as a domestic racing driver
Even Toyota admits that Hirakawa doesn’t want to settle for a ‘third driver’ role now that he has proven himself internationally
ending his career as a reserve driver is not an option,” Kaji said
“While pursuing a regular seat has always been the goal
this opportunity with Alpine aligns with Hirakawa’s ambition to take on new challenges
It’s not that his approach has fundamentally changed but rather that he is making a strategic choice to further his career by focusing on the best opportunity to secure a seat.”
One can argue that Hirakawa’s F1 ambitions are unlikely to achieve anything
especially now that Colapinto is in the picture at Alpine
It’s unclear if he was even aware that the French outfit was talking to the ex-Williams racer when he put pen to paper for a reserve role
It’s also worth pointing out that Hirakawa has stopped racing in his home country to pursue bigger goals
He had already stepped down from Super GT following his entry into Toyota’s Hypercar line-up
and he also left Super Formula after 2023 as he struck the F1 deal with McLaren
So by developing a faint hope of racing in F1
Hirakawa has given up the chance of accumulating titles in his homeland
While he already has a GT500 championship under his belt with Lexus from 2017
Hirakawa - for all his talent - has never managed to lift the trophy in Super Formula
The closest he came to winning the ultimate prize was in 2020
when he arguably should have scored a Super Formula/Super GT double without a late stroke of bad luck
Hirakawa impressed McLaren with his pace in Abu Dhabi FP1 outing
While he may have fewer trophies from domestic competition in his cabinet
it’s also true that working behind the scenes with a team like McLaren is one of the reasons why Hirakawa has become such a potent force in the WEC
The tools employed in F1 are on a different level
and this analytical approach has greatly improved Hirakawa’s driving in other categories
Hirakawa’s work at McLaren hasn’t gone unnoticed
with the team praising both his speed and work ethic during the limited mileage he got in its grand prix cars
So the decision to link up with an F1 team has clearly worked out for him
“[I’m] so very impressed with his professional approach and diligence,” said McLaren team principal Andrea Stella after Hirakawa replaced <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/oscar-piastri/828689/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oscar Piastri</a> in FP1 in Abu Dhabi
“And then when he came to having some performance runs
considering that it was pretty much his first time in a Formula 1 team
he still has a long career ahead of him in the WEC and possibly back at home
whether an Alpine race seat materialises or not
“We were giving him some feedback in terms of driving
we knew him - because we have had him around in the TPC car
and we have had him around here for many events - but the good surprise is the speed
It's the elements of being a driver that we could not see before
and that today they were very impressive.”
the oldest driver in Toyota’s Hypercar line-up
so age is still on Hirakawa’s side as far as sportscar racing is concerned
Alpine’s decision to hire him in an already crowded driver roster is still puzzling
the Renault Group brand has only gone on to say it wanted a more experienced head in its roster
as it already employs a lot of young talent
Hirakawa has time on his side to pursue F1 opportunities without hurting his sportscar career prospects
But that only answers part of the question. Alpine already has a spearhead in <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/pierre-gasly/19626/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pierre Gasly</a>
who is contracted to the team for the long term
New team principal Oliver Oakes also knows how to deal with young drivers
given his extensive management experience in junior formulae with Hitech
One can only imagine that recruiting Hirakawa amps up the pressure on Doohan, while also keeping Colapinto in check. While the young Argentine proved he is more than worthy of an F1 seat when he first stepped up to <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/williams/13/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Williams</a> at Monza
and comes loaded with cash from South American sponsors
a slew of crashes later in the year tainted his CV
Only time will tell what exactly Alpine and Hirakawa are able to achieve by their new association
but clearly there is a desire to achieve something bigger together
the future of the partnership isn’t exactly in their hands
as Doohan’s results will ultimately decide if Alpine needs to reshuffle its line-up
The onus is now on Doohan to surpass the seemingly low expectations of his team and be quick straight out of the blocks in 2025
or face a real-life example of how ruthless F1 can be
Flavio Briatore is now calling the shots at Alpine
and both Colapinto and Hirakawa are waiting for the door to open…
<a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/esteban-ocon/19624/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Esteban Ocon</a> will get his first taste of Haas machinery in the end-of-season Formula 1 test in Abu Dhabi
and will be joined by Toyota World Endurance Championship driver Ryo Hirakawa
Ocon was released by <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/alpine/24858/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alpine</a> ahead of this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ocon-to-leave-alpine-early-as-doohan-announced-for-abu-dhabi-finale/10678569/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to ensure he could pick up his Haas duties early</a>
and thus will be replaced by Jack Doohan at the Anglo-French squad
So, the American squad is leaning on its Toyota links to trial Hirakawa, who has won two WEC Hypercar titles with the Japanese firm. <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-f1-team-agrees-technical-partnership-with-toyota/10661925/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Haas signed a technical tie-up with Toyota earlier this year</a>
and will be granted access to the brand's Cologne facilities and various other areas of expertise
This move has also allowed Haas to start its own testing of previous cars programme [TPC]
which will allow Toyota to run some of its own drivers and give its younger engineers experience of F1
Hirakawa will also contest FP1 on Friday for <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/mclaren/10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">McLaren</a> in place of <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/driver/oscar-piastri/828689/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oscar Piastri</a>; the Japanese driver is also part of McLaren's driver development programme
and has gathered experience of F1 machinery with TPC running across the tail end of 2023 and into 2024
#8 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota GR010 - Hybrid: Ryo Hirakawa
Arrow McLaren IndyCar racer Pato O'Ward will subsequently drive for McLaren in the end-of-season test
Elsewhere, <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/williams/13/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Williams</a> is giving its allocated young driver mileage to Luke Browning
who finished third in this year's Formula 3 championship having been in contention for the title
The 2022 Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Award winner currently drives for ART in Formula 2 after replacing fellow Williams junior Zak O'Sullivan
and will get a taste of the Williams FW46 alongside the incoming Carlos Sainz
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<a href="../images/drivers/800/hirakawa/2025hirakawaannounce01.jpg" rel="lightbox['articleimages']"></a>Ryo Hirakawa has quit Alpine to join Haas as its official reserve driver
the youngster set to participate in four FP1 sessions throughout the season
who replace Jack Doohan in the Alpine at Suzuka on Friday
and currently competes for Toyota GAZOO Racing in the World Endurance Championship
joins the American team following a successful outing at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi last December where he drove the VF-24
Having participated in several FP1 outings with F1 teams
Hirakawa brings experience from across the paddock
and is scheduled to get behind the wheel of the VF-25 at four FP1 sessions this season
Taking over driving duties from Oliver Bearman for FP1 this weekend in Bahrain
team-mate Esteban Ocon will then vacate his seat for free practice sessions for Hirakawa in Spain and Abu Dhabi
and two-time Hypercar Champion has experience over multiple disciplines; including Super Formula
Super GT and the World Endurance Championship
and I'm really looking forward to a new journey with the team,&quot; said Hirakawa
&quot;I'm driving my first FP1 session in Bahrain
it's a new challenge for me and I can't wait to get started.&quot;
&quot;It's great to welcome Ryo to Haas and have his experience bolster our knowledge and understanding of the VF-25,&quot; added Ayao Komatsu
&quot;His feedback was very detailed at the post-season test last year
&quot;As part of our collaboration with Toyota GAZOO Racing
it's great to welcome new talent into the team - it's a real pleasure to work with a racer of his driving acumen.&quot;
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<a href="/80088/Miami-Grand-Prix-Result">Miami Grand Prix: Result</a>
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<a href="/79774/Japanese-Grand-Prix-Preview-Haas">Japanese Grand Prix: Preview - Haas</a>
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<a href="/79736/Chinese-Grand-Prix-Race-team-notes-Haas">Chinese Grand Prix: Race team notes - Haas</a>
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"Ryo Hirakawa has impressed with every time he's driven
Would like to see him continue to impress and get a drive
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Ryo Hirakawa will participate in FP1 at the F1 Japanese GP
Ryo Hirakawa is set to contest opening practice at the <a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/tag/f1">Formula 1</a> Japanese Grand Prix with Alpine this weekend
is a star of the FIA World Endurance Championship
having enjoyed overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 with Toyota
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
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 can’t wait to drive the A525 in Free Practice 1 this weekend,” Hirakawa said.&nbsp;
we did simulator work in Enstone a few days ago and I’m going to enjoy the moment.&nbsp;
but I will enjoy it and do my best for the team to hopefully input some direction on set up.&nbsp;
“I just want to add my appreciation to everyone at the team for the opportunity and support.”
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 <a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/japan/circuit">Suzuka</a> makes the rookie Australian’s task to get settled into the weekend a bit harder
Doohan has shown strong mental resolve and hopes to build on his Asian F3 experience at Suzuka
“The circuit is one I particularly love,” said Doohan.&nbsp;
“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.&nbsp;
“I’ll be in the car from Free Practice 2 as Ryo drives in Free Practice 1.&nbsp;
“He has a lot of experience here so it will be good to take some of that knowledge for the weekend.&nbsp;
“The aim will be to make the most of the weekend and score some all-important points for the team.”
READ MORE &#8211; <a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/01/09/ryo-hirakawa-named-alpine-f1-test-and-reserve-driver/">Ryo Hirakawa named Alpine F1 test and reserve driver</a>
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The Japanese driver leaves Alpine to tie up with the Toyota-backed Haas team
   Ryo Hirakawa &copy;&nbsp;XPB Images  Ryo Hirakawa has joined Haas as a reserve driver for the rest of the 2025 Formula 1 season after spending the last three months in the same role at Alpine
As part of his new role, Hirakawa will participate in four practice sessions in the VF-25 this year, starting with this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix. He will make further FP1 appearances in Spain, Mexico and Abu Dhabi, with <a href="https://www.crash.net/f1/teams/haas">Haas </a>relying entirely on him to complete its mandatory rookie running
In Bahrain and Mexico, Hirakawa will take the place of rookie <a href="https://www.crash.net/f1/racer/1043644/oliver-bearman">Oliver Bearman</a>, while <a href="https://www.crash.net/f1/racer/855/esteban-ocon">Esteban Ocon</a> will vacate his seat for him in the opening practice for Barcelona and Abu Dhabi weekends
Hirakawa first linked up with Haas during last year’s post-season test in Abu Dhabi
The American F1 team also has a technical partnership with the world’s biggest car maker Toyota
the same manufacturer which has honed Hirakawa from his early days in junior racing
The 31-year-old currently drives the factory Toyota GR010 Hybrid in the top Hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship
and I’m really looking forward to a new journey withthe team,” he said
Hirakawa joined <a href="https://www.crash.net/f1/teams/alpine">Alpine </a>as a reserve and test driver in January and made his first practice appearance with the team in front of his home crowd at Suzuka last weekend
it was revealed that Hirakawa would split with the Renault brand to join forces with Haas
Franco Colapinto and Kush Maini as part of its reserve driver roster
Both Colapinto and Maini were promoted to the role after Hirakawa joined the programme in mid-January
Haas is the third F1 team Hirakawa has had an official role with
having also been a part of McLaren’s young driver programme between late 2023 and the end of the 2024 season
McLaren handed him his first-weekend appearance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year
“It’s great to welcome Ryō to MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and have his experience bolster our knowledge and understanding of the VF-25,” shared Ayao Komatsu
so being able to provide Ryō valuable track time across four different circuits this year will help the entire team.&nbsp;
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Haas has signed Ryo Hirakawa as its official reserve driver
Haas has welcomed Ryo Hirakawa into its <a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/tag/f1">Formula 1</a> line-up as official reserve
Hirakawa, 31, was most recently a part of the <a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/04/01/ryo-hirakawa-to-receive-fp1-outing-with-alpine-at-f1-japanese-gp/">Alpine reserve line-up</a> and participated in Free Practice 1 at last weekend’s <a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/tag/japanesegp/">Japanese Grand Prix</a>
he participated in the Abu Dhabi post-season test with Haas and opening practice at Yas Marina with McLaren
His racing experience is predominantly on the endurance scene with the Toyota Gazoo Racing Hypercar squad in the FIA World Endurance Championship
Hirakawa won the coveted 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 and is a two-time Hypercar champion with further experience in Super Formula and <a href="https://supergt.net/en/">Super GT</a>
The Japanese driver joins Haas as official reserve driver as part of the team’s technical alliance with Toyota and will contest four FP1 sessions with the team
starting in Bahrain this weekend in place of Oliver Bearman
Hirakawa will replace Bearman again at Mexico City along with taking Esteban Ocon’s seat in Spain and Abu Dhabi
After gaining experience with three F1 teams in recent months
Hirakwa is looking forward to his settled programme with Haas
and I’m really looking forward to a new journey with the team,” Hirakawa said.&nbsp;
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu is happy to welcome Hirakawa into the fold
“It’s great to welcome Ryō to MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and have his experience bolster our knowledge and understanding of the VF-25,” said.&nbsp;
READ MORE &#8211; <a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/12/04/haas-confirms-esteban-ocon-and-ryo-hirakawa-for-f1-post-season-test/">Haas confirms Esteban Ocon and Ryo Hirakawa for F1 post-season test</a>
Hirakawa will replace Briton Ollie Bearman for the first free practice at the Bahrain Grand Prix this week and again in Mexico later in the season
Esteban Ocon will make way for the 31-year-old Hiroshima native for practice sessions at the Spain and Abu Dhabi races
Hirakawa, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 with Toyota, made his practice debut at <a href="https://www.grandprix247.com/2025/04/06/japanese-grand-prix-verstappen-defeats-mclarens-in-stalemate/">his home grand prix at Suzuka</a> with Alpine last week
He tested Haas&#8217;s VF-25 car at Abu Dhabi in the off-season after being a reserve for 2024 champions McLaren
&#8220;His feedback was very detailed at the post-season test last year
so being able to provide Ryō valuable track time across four different circuits this year will help the entire team,&#8221; Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said in a statement
Haas are sixth in the F1 constructors&#8217; championship with 15 points after the first three races, with Bearman finishing 10th at Suzuka and Ocon 18th behind Red Bull&#8217;s winner Max Verstappen. (<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.reuters.com/">Reporting by Ian Ransom</a>)
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who took part in the first free practice session in Japan for the Enstone team
has just been recruited by Haas for the rest of the season
The Japanese driver will take part in four free practice sessions for Haas
© Overtake/Motors Inside / Hirakawa in the paddock at the Japanese Grand Prix in Alpine's colors.He is certainly a highly sought-after driver
who participated in the first free practice session for Alpine at Suzuka this weekend
who was recruited by McLaren in 2024 as a reserve driver
had already taken part in the first free practice session in Abu Dhabi for the papaya team
he switched suits by participating in the end-of-season tests
While several teams were vying for his services
it was ultimately the American team that won: the 31-year-old Japanese driver will be a reserve driver for Haas starting from the next Grand Prix in Bahrain
A recruitment that once again demonstrates the close ties between Toyota — the team for which Ryo Hirakawa competes in the World Endurance Championship — and the American team
it's wonderful to welcome new talent to the team – it's a real pleasure to work with a driver of his caliber
delighted to now be able to rely on an experienced driver
winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and double Hypercar champion
This is excellent news to welcome Ryo to the MoneyGram Haas F1 team and to benefit from his experience to enhance our knowledge of the VF-25
His feedback during the end-of-season tests last year was very detailed
so giving him track time on four different circuits this year will help the whole team
continued Ayao Komatsu in front of the media
Four practice sessions scheduled for Hirakawa
The Japanese driver has already indicated that he will take the wheel this week at the Bahrain circuit
replacing Oliver Bearman for a free practice session
« I am very excited to join the MoneyGram Haas F1 team
I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to starting this new adventure with the team
I will participate in my first FP1 session in Bahrain
having two consecutive race weekends is very exciting
The Japanese driver also wanted to thank Haas and Toyota for this opportunity
Hirakawa will again replace Bearman in Mexico
he will have participated in two other FP1 sessions
in Spain and then during the last Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi
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This marks Ryo Hirakawa’s debut outing on a grand prix weekend
   Ryo Hirakawa  Alpine reserve Ryo Hirakawa will get to drive in front of his home fans in opening practice for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix
Le Mans 24 Hours winner Hirakawa will take over <a href="https://www.crash.net/f1/racer/1043642/jack-doohan">Jack Doohan</a>’s <a href="https://www.crash.net/f1/teams/alpine">Alpine </a>Formula 1 car in the hour-long FP1 session on Friday morning
The news means that two Japanese drivers will be appearing at the Suzuka Circuit this weekend, with <a href="https://www.crash.net/f1/racer/975014/yuki-tsunoda">Yuki Tsunoda</a> having received a promotion to<a href="https://www.crash.net/f1/teams/red-bull-racing"> Red Bull Racing</a> after just over four seasons at AlphaTauri/<a href="https://www.crash.net/f1/teams/racing-bulls">Racing Bulls</a>
Hirakawa regularly raced at Suzuka in both the Super Formula and SUPER GT series as part of his factory commitments with Toyota
although he never won a major race at the fabled track
FP1 outings were always on the table since Hirakawa was added to Alpine’s reserve driver roster in January
but I will enjoy it and do my best for the team to hopefully input some direction on set up
who races a Toyota Hypercar in the World Endurance Championship
is one of Alpine’s four reserve drivers this year
Former Williams F1 driver <a href="https://www.crash.net/f1/racer/1043711/franco-colapinto">Franco Colapinto</a> and Formula 2 race winners Kush Maini and Paul Aron are also part of the team’s programme
Hirakawa gained experience in F1 machinery as part of McLaren’s driver development programme in 2024
&copy; <a href="https://www.crashmediagroup.co.uk" target="_blank">Crash Media Group Ltd</a> 2025.The total or partial reproduction of text, photographs or illustrations is not permitted in any form.
Hirakawa, 30, will play a key role in Alpine’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme and support the team’s simulator operations. He is also set to make a high-profile appearance at his home race, participating in Free Practice 1 during the Japanese Grand Prix in April.
Having previously worked with McLaren and Toyota, Hirakawa most recently tested Haas’ 2024 F1 car in December. His addition strengthens Alpine’s reserve driver line-up, which also features Formula 2 race winner Paul Aron.
Alpine’s team principal Oliver Oakes praised Hirakawa’s diverse experience, emphasizing his importance in car development efforts. For 2025, Alpine’s full-time line-up includes Pierre Gasly and F2 graduate Jack Doohan, who replaces Esteban Ocon in the team.
American-owned team Haas have added a driver to their roster for the 2025 F1 season
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<a href="/topic/haas">Haas</a> have announced the signing of Ryo Hirakawa as its reserve driver for the 2025 season, with the former <a href="/topic/alpine">Alpine</a> test driver set to feature this weekend at the <a href="/topic/bahrain-grand-prix">Bahrain Grand Prix</a>
was one of four reserve drivers at Alpine and drove in place of Jack Doohan in first practice at his home track in Suzuka on Friday
Yet Hirakawa, who races for Haas partner <a href="/topic/toyota">Toyota</a> in the World Endurance Championship
has been snapped up by compatriot Ayao Komatsu
and will take part in four practice sessions for Haas this year
His first appearance will be in Ollie Bearman’s car in FP1 on Friday in Bahrain
Hirakawa also drove for Haas in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi last year
and I can’t wait to get to Bahrain,” Hirakawa said
“I would like to thank Komatsu, Haas <a href="/topic/f1">F1</a> Team, Morizo [Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation] and Toyota Gazoo Racing for this opportunity, it’s a new challenge for me and I can’t wait to get started.”
Hirakawa, who will also feature in practice in Barcelona, Mexico and Abu Dhabi, only joined Alpine in the off-season from a testing role at McLaren. 
He finished 12th in FP1 on Friday, above teammate Pierre Gasly, and has impressed those within the paddock with his experience and skillset. 
“It’s great to welcome Ryo to Haas F1 Team and have his experience bolster our knowledge and understanding of the VF-25,” said Komatsu.
“His feedback was very detailed at the post-season test last year, so being able to provide Ryo valuable track time across four different circuits this year will help the entire team.
“As part of our collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing, it’s great to welcome new talent into the team – it’s a real pleasure to work with a racer of his driving acumen.”
Hirakawa won the 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans event with Toyota and also won the WEC title that year. 
Alpine, meanwhile, still have three reserve drivers in the form of Paul Aron, Kush Maini and Franco Colapinto, with the latter hotly tipped to replace Jack Doohan in the cockpit at some point in 2025. 
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Haas have announced the signing of Ryo Hirakawa from Alpine
Ryo Hirakawa has joined the Alpine team as part of what looks like an expanded test and reserve driver roster for the 2025 Formula 1 season
Alpine already has Paul Aron on its books and is expected to finalise a deal with Franco Colapinto imminently
meaning with Hirakawa in play it should have three drivers it can call on for test and reserve duties
Hirakawa has won two World Endurance Championship titles and continues to race for Toyota in the series
and had most recently been a member of McLaren's driver development programme
As part of that involvement he had completed testing of previous cars (TPC) running and drove for McLaren in first practice for last year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
His Toyota links meant he also drove for Haas in the post-season Abu Dhabi test
Hirakawa would take part in its TPC programme and be called upon for simulator work
He will also take part in FP1 for the squad at the Japanese GP
the opportunity of track time in F1 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," said Hirakawa
"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."
Alpine team boss Oliver Oakes explained that the squad was keen to have a wide pool of talent that it could call upon for driving duties throughout 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," said Oakes
"His role will be important in providing the team with support in various areas of development through our TPC programme and simulator work
and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the team as we press ahead with preparations for the new season."
Just 24 hours after the Japanese Grand Prix weekend concluded
Haas has snapped up now former Alpine reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa as their official reserve driver for F1 2025
who drove for Alpine in FP1 at the Japanese Grand Prix
will contest four FP1 sessions with the Toyota-affiliated Haas F1 team
From McLaren to Alpine to <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/team/haas">Haas</a>
Hirakawa may not have knocked on the door of a Formula 1 race seat
Putting in the laps for McLaren in FP1 in Abu Dhabi last year
the Toyota-sponsored driver drove the Haas VF-24 at the post-season Abu Dhabi test before getting behind the wheel of Alpine&#8217;s A525 at Suzuka for Friday first practice session
But the battle for the 31-year-old&#8217;s signature is officially over
Haas securing his services for the remainder of the F1 2025 championship
👉 <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-2025-driver-contract-expiry">Revealed: The six drivers out of contract at the end of the F1 2025 season</a>
👉<a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-2026-driver-line-up-confirmed-grid">F1 2026 driver line-up: Lewis Hamilton and other drivers already confirmed for 2026</a>
The team announced that the 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans winner
had signed as their official reserve driver
&#8220;It’s great to welcome Ryo to MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and have his experience bolster our knowledge and understanding of the VF-25,&#8221; said team principal Ayao Komatsu
&#8220;As part of our collaboration with Toyota GAZOO Racing
it’s great to welcome new talent into the team – it’s a real pleasure to work with a racer of his driving acumen.&#8221;
Hirakawa will take the wheel at four practice sessions this season
his first outing with Haas coming in Bahrain on Friday where he will replace Ollie Bearman in FP1
and I’m really looking forward to a new journey with the team,” said Hirakawa
&#8220;I’m driving my first FP1 session in Bahrain
it’s a new challenge for me and I can’t wait to get started.&#8221;
Hirakawa will also replace Bearman in FP1 in Mexico while taking Esteban Ocon seat in Spain and Abu Dhabi
Read next: <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-taken-ferrari-away-charles-leclerc-jacques-villeneuve">Lewis Hamilton has ‘taken’ Ferrari ‘away from Leclerc’, claims Villeneuve</a>
© Planet Sport Limited 2025 • All Rights Reserved
Pato O'Ward will drive for McLaren in the Abu Dhabi post-season test
McLaren has confirmed its rookie driver line up for the <a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/tag/f1">Formula 1</a> <a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/tag/abudhabigp/">Abu Dhabi Grand Prix</a> and post-season test will comprise Ryo Hirakawa and Pato O&#8217;Ward
F1 rules mandate two FP1 practice sessions per year must be driven by a rookie and to help fulfil that obligation, McLaren&#8217;s Reserve Driver Hirakawa will contest the opening hour of running at the <a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2024/united-arab-emirates/circuit">Yas Marina Circuit</a> this weekend
The Japanese star joined McLaren&#8217;s ranks in September last year but is famed for his role in Toyota&#8217;s FIA World Endurance Championship lineup
Hirakawa has enviable accolades on the sportscar racing scene including victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 and claiming the FIA WEC title in 2022 and 2023
His appearance in Abu Dhabi follows McLaren testing runs in the MCL35M in 2023 and the MCL36 in 2024
As well as fielding a rookie during the regular season
teams must field one during the post-season test at Abu Dhabi and this is where Mexican superstar O&#8217;Ward steps in
O&#8217;Ward has already made one appearance in the MCL38 this campaign
contesting FP1 at his home Grand Prix in Mexico City
The Mexican is a beloved fan favourite on the IndyCar scene
where he has impressed with the Arrow McLaren outfit since 2020
O&#8217;Ward has seven IndyCar race wins and 26 podiums to his name
including a heartbreaking runners-up finish at this year&#8217;s Indianapolis 500
The Mexican driver has contested a total of three FP1 sessions with McLaren and together with Hirakawa
Esteban Ocon is gearing up for his next chapter with Haas
Haas has confirmed Esteban Ocon and Ryo Hirakawa will drive for the team in the <a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/tag/f1/">Formula 1</a> post-season test in Abu Dhabi
Ocon signed a multi-year deal with Haas during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend in July and his participation in the test has led to unprecedented action
To release him from his Alpine contract, the <a href="http://Jack Doohan to replace Esteban Ocon at Alpine at Abu Dhabi GP">Frenchman is forgoing driving duties</a> in this weekend&#8217;s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and shall be replaced by the Anglo-French team&#8217;s 2025 recruit
As the team approached severing ties with Ocon early
Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes said “I think you could say from Esteban’s side it’s good to move on early
That leaves Ocon ample time to prepare for his post-season testing debut with his new employer
Ocon&#8217;s choice to join Haas was down to being &#8220;convinced&#8221; by Team Principal Ayoa Komatsu and his faith was reinforced upon the team signing a technical alliance with Toyota
“He didn’t specifically talk about [Toyota]
but he really told me what his plan was to take this team to the next level and help on the things that the team have the chance to improve on&#8221; Ocon said last month
“He convinced me back then and it reinforces me to clearly trust him for the future
I think it’s exciting times for the teams ahead.”
Haas&#8217; alliance with Toyota goes beyond mere technical expertise with the Japanese manufacturer committing to providing its drivers for testing duties
That is bearing fruit for the first time thanks to Hirakawa filling Haas&#8217; rookie requirements for the post-season test
Hirakawa is a prominent member of <a href="https://toyotagazooracing.com/">Toyota Gazoo Racing</a>&#8216;s Hypercar efforts in the FIA World Endurance Championship
The Japanese driver is a Le Mans winner and twice champion in FIA WEC
with his commitments as a McLaren Reserve Driver meaning he is also driving the MCL38 during FP1 of the Abu Dhabi GP
READ MORE &#8211; <a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/14/esteban-ocon-admits-toyota-tie-up-has-reinforced-his-belief-in-haas-f1-move/">Esteban Ocon admits Toyota tie-up has ‘reinforced’ his belief in Haas F1 move</a>
Ryo Hirakawa has been named an Alpine test and reserve driver
FIA World Endurance Champion Ryo Hirawaka has been named an Alpine <a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/tag/f1/">Formula 1</a> test and reserve driver per a Thursday announcement
The Japanese driver has a wealth of experience in Super Formula
With the Toyota squad, Hirakawa won the <a href="https://www.fiawec.com/en/race/result/4706">2022 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans</a> and the FIA WEC title twice (2022
He will now participate in TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programmes with Alpine as well as competing in FP1 at this year’s Japanese Grand Prix
This will build on testing and practice outings he’s already completed with <a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/tag/mclaren/">McLaren</a> and <a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/tag/haas/">Haas</a>
“It is an honour to be joining BWT Alpine Formula One Team as a Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 season,” Hirakawa said.&nbsp;
the opportunity of track time in F1 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 GP
Hirakawa’s signing adds to the Alpine driving roster and helps fill the reserve driver void vacated by recently appointed race driver Jack Doohan
Hirakawa joins Paul Aron in Alpine’s reserve squad and Team Principal Oliver Oakes is happy to have the Japanese driver on board
“It is great to bring Ryō 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,” Oakes said.&nbsp;
“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
READ MORE &#8211; <a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/01/09/franco-colapinto-reportedly-poised-to-land-alpine-role-for-2025/">Franco Colapinto reportedly poised to land Alpine role for 2025</a>
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Ryo Hirakawa will take part in FP1 at the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP and Pato O’Ward will participate in the Young Driver Test
<a>Ryo Hirakawa</a> is set to make his competitive Formula 1 debut in this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, replacing Oscar in Free Practice 1. Fellow F1 Reserve Driver <a href="/racing/team/pato-oward">Pato O’Ward</a> will participate in the end-of-season Young Driver Test
Ryo will drive the MCL38 in the 60-minute session
completing our requirement to run rookies in two Free Practice sessions
Our first was fulfilled by Pato, who replaced Lando in the MCL38 for <a href="/racing/formula-1/2024/mexico-city-grand-prix/2024-mexico-city-grand-prix-practice-report">FP1 at his home Grand Prix in Mexico City</a>
marking his third competitive run for McLaren’s Formula 1 team
the 25-year-old will also take part in the annual Young Driver Test on Tuesday
Ryo joined McLaren Racing as a Reserve Driver in September 2023 as part of our Driver Development programme
Ryo is an accomplished and experienced member of the programme and plays a key role in simulator development at the McLaren Technology Centre
He’s also driven for the team in multiple private tests
running the MCL35M in 2023 and the MCL36 in 2024
The Japanese racer is best known for his endurance racing exploits
winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 and the World Endurance Championship title in 2022 and 2023 with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
He was also the Super GT GT500 champion in 2017
and finished runner-up in Super Formula in 2020
Pato joined our pool of F1 Reserve Drivers ahead of the 2024 season, but has been part of the McLaren Racing family since 2020 when he joined <a href="/racing/indycar">Arrow McLaren</a>
the Mexican plays a key role in simulator development and has driven several older McLaren cars in private tests
The Mexican has spent five seasons with Arrow McLaren and finished the 2024 campaign with three wins
two podiums and second place at the Indy 500
Haas have confirmed Ryō Hirakawa will be behind the wheel for them in FP1 in Bahrain
taking the place of Ollie Bearman in Friday practice
<a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/haas-snap-up-much-wanted-alpine-reserve-driver">Hirakawa recently joined the team as reserve driver</a>
having been one of Alpine&#8217;s reserve pool at the start of the season
and he will be straight into the VF-25 this weekend in Sakhir
Fresh from an FP1 outing at his home race in Japan at the weekend, Hirakawa has made the move across to <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/team/haas/">Haas</a>
with the Toyota endurance star set to take in four FP1 sessions with the team this season
The first of these will be in place of Bearman in Bahrain
the scene of pre-season testing back in February
Hirakawa already has experience behind the wheel of a Haas
having driven last year&#8217;s VF-24 in post-season testing in Abu Dhabi in December
having also been reserve driver at McLaren in 2024
This move will be the first of four mandatory rookie FP1 sessions for Haas in 2025
While that number had been two &#8211; a rookie driver defined as one with less than two grands prix of experience &#8211; the number of rookie FP1 sessions doubled to four for F1 2025
with each driver now mandated to give up their seat twice in a season
Team principal Ayao Komatsu said ahead of the weekend: &#8220;We come back to Bahrain
the venue of pre-season testing and even though it was only five weeks ago that we were last here
followed by a double points finish in Shanghai
I feel we’re coming back here with a much better understanding of the car
&#8220;I’m looking forward to seeing how the new parts that we brought to Suzuka perform here
We will have Ryō Hirakawa making his FP1 debut with us
&#8220;We were very impressed with him when he drove for us in Abu Dhabi
so it’s great to welcome him back to the team
&#8220;The Sakhir circuit always offers an exciting race at night with many overtakes
so we’re looking forward to building on our solid performance last weekend.”
Read next: <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/yuki-tsunoda-response-liam-lawson-demotion-sympathy-question">Yuki Tsunoda’s telling response to Liam Lawson demotion sympathy question</a>
8 Toyota GR010 Hybrid quickest in FP3&#8230;
Toyota Gazoo Racing topped the time charts for the first time of the weekend at Fuji Speedway
with Ryo Hirakawa going quickest in a red-flagged final Free Practice session prior to qualifying and Hyperpole for Sunday&#8217;s FIA World Endurance Championship round
Hirakawa laid down a 1:29.621 lap time in the No
8 Toyota GR010 Hybrid early in the 60-minute session
2 Cadillac V-Series.R of Alex Lynn by 0.086 seconds
A flurry of Hypercar teams took to the track in the opening moments of the session for qualifying simulation runs
50 AF Corse Ferrari 499P of Antonio Fuoco end up third quickest
Charles Milesi and Kamui Kobayashi completed the top-five for Alpine Endurance Team and Toyota
The Ferrari 499Ps of Antonio Giovinazzi and Robert Kubica were next quickest
which was the quickest of the Porsche 963s
Proton Competition&#8217;s Porsche and the No
63 Iron Lynx Lamborghini SC63 completed the top-ten
The factory Porsche Penske Motorsport cars
55 Vista AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 of Francois Heriau
Heriau&#8217;s time was more than one-tenth ahead of Davide Rigon&#8217;s sister No
The session was red-flagged with just over 20 minutes to go due to an issue with the Turn 1 curbing
FP3 came after a 12-minute &#8216;Circuit Safari&#8217; session that saw coach buses with paid spectators take to the track alongside WEC machinery
in what&#8217;s become an annual tradition at Fuji Speedway
Robin Frijns posted the quickest time in that session
RESULTS: <a href="http://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com/Results/13_2024/07_FUJI%20SPEEDWAY/559_FIA%20WEC/202409141020_Free%20Practice%203/03_Classification_Free%20Practice%203.PDF">Free Practice 3</a>
John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide.  <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#690c0d001d061b291a19061b1d1a0a081b5a5f5c470a0604">Contact John</a>
<a href="../images/drivers/800/hirakawa/2025alpineannounce01.jpg" rel="lightbox['articleimages']"></a>Toyota protege and former member of McLaren's development programme
Ryo Hirakawa has been appointed Alpine's test and reserve driver
he will participate in the team's Testing of Previous Cars programme and support with car development and technical understanding using the team's simulator throughout 2025
He will also drive in Free Practice 1 at the Japanese Grand Prix (04 April) at Suzuka
Hirakawa brings a wealth of experience to the French team having competed across various disciplines including Super Formula
and Super GT as well as having tested F1 machinery with McLaren in 2023 and 2024
The Japanese driver most notably took overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 and is a two-time Hypercar Champion in the FIA World Endurance Championship (2022 and 2023)
&quot;It is an honour to be joining Alpine for the 2025 season,&quot; said Hirakawa
&quot;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.&quot;
&quot;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,&quot; added Oliver Oakes
&quot;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
&quot;His role will be important in providing the team with support in various areas of development through our TPC programme and simulator work
and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the team as we press ahead with preparations for the new season.&quot;
<a href="/79425/Alpine-and-Mercedes-reveal-new-partners">Alpine and Mercedes reveal new partners</a>
<a href="/79419/Enstone-overhaul-was-necessary-insists-Oakes">Enstone overhaul was necessary insists Oakes</a>
<a href="/79403/Briatore-justifies-Mercedes-switch">Briatore justifies Mercedes switch</a>
<a href="/79401/Bottas-returns-to-Mercedes">Bottas returns to Mercedes</a>
Ryo Hirakawa is quick and polished: is this is another brilliant Flavio move that could be a precursor for another Toyota GR venture or just another agent building up his ****nal
Ryo's Haas Abu Dhabi test was stellar so I'm surprised that Haas Toyota balked seeing that he is already a Toyota protege but
with Bearman and Ocon have long-term deals..
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Renault-owned Alpine said the 30-year-old Japanese driver
winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 with Toyota
would also support them in the simulator and participate in a Testing of Previous Car (TPC) programme
Hirakawa was a reserve for 2024 champions McLaren last season
Hirakawa said of his appointment: &#8220;It is an honour to be joining BWT Alpine Formula One Team as a Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 season
the opportunity of track time in Formula 1 machinery is the pinnacle for race drivers
&#8220;I am excited to drive in Free Practice 1 in front of my home crowd at the Japanese Grand Prix
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,&#8221; added Hirakawa
Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes said: &#8220;It is great to bring Ryō 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
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.&#8221;
The team states in their media pack: &#8220;Ryō brings a wealth of experience to the team having competed across various disciplines including Super Formula
and Super GT as well as having tested in Formula One machinery in 2023 and 2024
&#8220;The Japanese driver most notably took overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 and is a two-time Hypercar Champion in the FIA World Endurance Championship (2022 and 2023).&#8221;
Team boss Oakes added: &#8220;His role will be important in providing the team with support in various areas of development through our TPC programme and simulator work
and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the team as we press ahead with preparations for the new season.&#8221;
already has Estonian F2 driver Paul Aron as a reserve
Experienced French driver Pierre Gasly and Australian rookie and previous reserve Jack Doohan are in the 2025 race lineup
although there continues to be speculation about the latter&#8217;s future
<a href="https://www.grandprix247.com/2025/01/09/franco-colapinto-set-for-alpine-f1-seat-in-2025-jack-doohans-role-uncertain/">Media reports</a> have indicated Argentine Franco Colapinto
who raced for Williams last year after American Logan Sargeant was dropped mid-season
Alpine&#8217;s executive advisor Flavio Briatore told France&#8217;s Le Parisien newspaper last month: &#8220;We’ll start the year with Pierre and Jack
we’ll see as the season progresses.&#8221;
The 24-race <a href="https://www.statsf1.com/en/2025.aspx">2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship</a> &#8211; the sport&#8217;s 75th anniversary &#8211; starts with the Australian Grand Prix on 16 March in Melbourne. (<a href="https://www.reuters.com/sports/">Reporting by Alan Baldwin</a>; Additional Quotes By Agnes Carlier)
A second-half brace from Ross McCrorie was enough for the Reds to come from behind <a class="TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l" href="https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-city-preston-live-updates-10152215" target="_self" aria-label="" tabindex="0">to draw 2-2 at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon</a>
the Scotland international twice beat David Cornell in the North End net to kickstart the party in and around BS3
which only continued when Blackburn Rovers&#x27; draw with Sheffield United confirmed City&#x27;s spot in the top six
<a class="TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l" href="https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/paul-heckingbottom-makes-huge-admission-10152431" target="_self" aria-label="" tabindex="0">Paul Heckingbottom&#x27;s side</a> took the lead through Emil Riis moments before the half-hour mark
The Lilywhites forward headed home Robbie Brady&#x27;s corner to shock the sold-out home support and with just 15 minutes played of the second half
Milutin Osmajic doubled their advantage when he broke beyond the Robins backline before slotting under Max O&#x27;Leary
the tide turned in BS3 and while McCrorie was the star of the afternoon
Hirakawa made a real impact as he repeatedly got at his man and whipped cross after cross into the Preston penalty area
Although he didn&#x27;t come away with a goal or assist to his name
Manning was quick to laud the 24-year-old for not just his impact on the game but the affect he had on those watching in the stands
wow,&quot; the head coach simply said in his post-match press conference
&quot;He did some incredible moments in terms of shifting momentum
&quot;I think we spoke about that at half-time as well
about not losing sight of why we started playing football
You don&#x27;t start playing football to have 500 passes and not go anywhere
but it&#x27;s about actually progressing to get it in their box and ask the question
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he is one of those where he’s just so exciting to watch
&quot;He’s the ultimate professional when you look at the discipline he has and the way he goes about his work
he&#x27;s going to be a really big player for the club.&quot;
Hirakawa made the move to Ashton Gate on an <a class="TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l" href="https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/yu-hirakawa-bristol-city-history-9397116" target="_self" aria-label="" tabindex="0">initial loan deal from Machida Zelvia last summer</a>
His start to life with the Robins was delayed by an injury sustained whilst away with Japan at the Olympics but when he returned to full fitness
he impressed in the first half of the season as either the left or right-sided wide attacker in Manning&#x27;s 4-2-3-1 system
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But the Japanese youth international&#x27;s display against Preston showed that he is capable of stepping up to fill the <a class="TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l" href="https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mark-sykes-max-oleary-harry-10115266" target="_self" aria-label="" tabindex="0">Mark Sykes&#x27; shaped void</a> at right wing-back
Alpine reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa will complete a move to <a href="https://www.gpfans.com/us/f1-teams/haas-f1-team/">Haas</a> ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix
following an official announcement from the Formula 1 team
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An Alpine reserve driver has joined a rival Formula 1 team after impressing in his first practice outing at the Japanese Grand Prix
Ryo Hirakawa, who races in the World Endurance Championship, was signed by Alpine at the beginning of the year to join their reserve and test driver pool, which also contains <a class="anchor_link__6t7IO" href="https://www.sportbible.com/f1/f1-driver-private-test-japanese-gp-351591-20250406">Franco Colapinto</a>
The Japanese driver replaced <a class="anchor_link__6t7IO" href="https://www.sportbible.com/f1/f1-japanese-grand-prix-red-flag-crash-suzuka-747744-20250404">Jack Doohan</a> in first practice at his home race
and his fastest lap was a tenth quicker than his far more experienced team-mate Pierre Gasly
But Hirakawa, who previously represented <a class="anchor_link__6t7IO" href="https://www.sportbible.com/mclaren">McLaren</a> last season before making the switch to the Enstone-based outfit
has made a second move in a matter of months
The 31-year-old will now join Haas as their reserve driver for the rest of the 2025 season
As part of his deal, Hirakawa will represent his new team in first practice at four different race weekends across 2025. The Race <a class="anchor_link__6t7IO" target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/alpine-loses-f1-reserve-to/">report</a> that the first of those will be in Bahrain this week
as Hirakawa drove for the American team in the 2024 post-season test in Abu Dhabi
He also competes for Toyota Gazoo Racing in the WEC, with Toyota having signed a &#x27;<a class="anchor_link__6t7IO" href="https://www.sportbible.com/f1/f1-team-2024-return-technical-partnership-254983-20241011">multi-year technical partnership</a>&#x27; with the Haas team last season
Hirakawa won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 alongside former <a class="anchor_link__6t7IO" href="https://www.sportbible.com/formula-1">F1</a> drivers Sebastian Buemi and Brendon Hartley
and competed in Super Formula - Japan&#x27;s top single-seater championship - between 2013 and 2023
The Race claim that the Japanese driver has not given up on a full-time F1 race seat
though current Haas drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman are both signed up for 2026 and potentially beyond
In a statement, Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu <a class="anchor_link__6t7IO" target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.haasf1team.com/news/moneygram-haas-f1-team-announces-ryo-hirakawa-official-reserve-driver">said</a>: &quot;It&#x27;s great to welcome Ryo to MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and have his experience bolster our knowledge and understanding of the VF-25
&quot;As part of our collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing
it&#x27;s great to welcome new talent into the team - it&#x27;s a real pleasure to work with a racer of his driving acumen.&quot;
Topics: <a class="topics-list_tag__Ryb8j" href="/formula-1">Formula 1</a>
Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan
As we look back at the events of the Japanese Grand Prix
let us get you caught up on all the big F1 news headlines of the day
It might not be a race that will live too long in the memory bank for many
but there is still a lot going on in the world of Formula 1
and a tight turnaround until the next race in Bahrain
Alpine reserve Franco Colapinto was spotted in a Testing of a Previous Car [TPC] outing at Monza
with the Argentine driver having been signed from Williams at the start of this season
Alpine confirmed the test took place after images of Colapinto circulated from Italy
Read more: <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/jack-doohan-japanese-grand-prix-crash-soreness-franco-colapinto-test-monza">Jack Doohan crash effects catch up as Franco Colapinto test emerges</a>
Haas have made Toyota endurance star Ryō Hirakawa their official reserve driver
after his FP1 appearance for Alpine at Suzuka on Friday
Hirakawa took part in post-season testing for Haas in Abu Dhabi last season
as well as having taken on reserve duties at McLaren in 2024
Having become one of Alpine&#8217;s reserve squad for 2025
Haas have now moved to sign the Toyota-backed driver for the remainder of the season as backup to Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman
Read more: <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/haas-snap-up-much-wanted-alpine-reserve-driver">Haas make move to snap up much-wanted Alpine reserve driver</a>
Helmut Marko joked that McLaren&#8217;s choice to not swap positions at Suzuka was a &#8216;new version&#8217; of their much-discussed &#8216;papaya rules&#8217;
their phrasing of how the drivers race each other
&#8220;The strategy they choose is up to them,&#8221; he reportedly told the German media
&#8220;It looked like Piastri was the faster driver
The question is whether he could have overtaken Max
because that&#8217;s a different story on this circuit
&#8220;But maybe this is a new version of the Papaya Rules,&#8221; he added with a laugh
&#8220;We would have swapped,&#8221; he continued
Read more: <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/helmut-marko-dig-new-version-papaya-rules-mclaren-max-verstappen-win-japan">Marko&#8217;s dig as &#8216;new version of Papaya Rules&#8217; creates simple Verstappen win</a>
Isack Hadjar shared the fourth row of the grid with Lewis Hamilton in Suzuka
and while the Ferrari completed one of the few on-track overtakes against the Racing Bulls driver on Sunday
we have run the numbers on their Q3 laps to see the areas in which Hadjar appeared stronger
Read more: <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/features/concerning-lewis-hamilton-data-emerges-rare-isack-hadjar-comparison-suzuka">Concerning Lewis Hamilton data emerges in rare Hadjar comparison</a>
Christian Horner gave his review of both Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson
after the two drivers swapped seats within the Red Bull stable in Japan
he&#8217;s given very good feedback,&#8221; said Horner
He was 15km quicker than he&#8217;s ever been into Turn 1
and then you&#8217;re chasing the lap the rest of the way
&#8220;And so qualifying 14th dictated his race
he added: &#8220;We&#8217;ve spoken throughout the weekend
&#8220;He just needs a bit of time and he will find his feet.&#8221;
Read more: <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/christian-horner-japan-gp-yuki-tsunoda-liam-lawson">What Christian Horner really thought of Tsunoda and Lawson’s first-race swap</a>
Alpine reserve driver Ryō Hirakawa will make his debut for the team at home
Alpine confirmed on Tuesday that test and reserve driver Ryō Hirakawa will drive in the first practice session at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix
taking the place of rookie driver Jack Doohan
who drove for McLaren in the first practice session at last season’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
will make his Alpine reserve debut at his home race
The team announced Hirakawa as a test and reserve driver for the 2025 season in January
I can’t wait to drive the A525 in Free Practice 1 this weekend,” said Hirakawa in the team’s media preview
we did simulator work in Enstone a few days ago and I’m going to enjoy the moment,” added Hirakawa
The team also shared a video message from the driver as he continued his preparation for FP1 at Alpine’s facility in Enstone:
 ️ "I can't wait to get back into the car"Let's go, <a href="https://twitter.com/ryohirakawa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ryohirakawa</a>   <a href="https://t.co/pDuiG8avb9">pic.twitter.com/pDuiG8avb9</a>
Under one of the rule changes for the 2025 F1 season teams are required to run inexperienced drivers in four practice sessions throughout the season
This will be the first time that Doohan has sat out a practice session this season