Hirakawa to be Alpine F1 reserve driver with FP1 outing at Suzuka

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: "It is an honour to be joining BWT Alpine Formula One Team as a Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 season. As always, the opportunity of track time in Formula 1 machinery is the pinnacle for race drivers.

"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 Hirakawa.

Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes said: "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."

The team states in their media pack: "Ryō brings a wealth of experience to the team having competed across various disciplines including Super Formula, Endurance, and Super GT as well as having tested in Formula One machinery 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)."

Team boss Oakes added: "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."

The Alpine F1 Team, based in Enstone in England, 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's future.

Media reports have indicated Argentine Franco Colapinto, who raced for Williams last year after American Logan Sargeant was dropped mid-season, could be offered a role.

Alpine's executive advisor Flavio Briatore told France's Le Parisien newspaper last month: "We’ll start the year with Pierre and Jack, I can guarantee that. After that, we’ll see as the season progresses."

The 24-race 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship - the sport's 75th anniversary - starts with the Australian Grand Prix on 16 March in Melbourne.