Japanese talent Ryo Hirakawa will drive Alpine’s A525 at Suzuka, stepping in for Jack Doohan during Friday’s first practice session.
Ryo Hirakawa is set to hit the track in front of his home crowd this weekend, as Alpine F1 gives the Japanese driver a run in Free Practice 1 at the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix.
Hirakawa will step into the cockpit of the A525, temporarily replacing Jack Doohan for the session. It’s a significant moment for the 30-year-old, as this marks his third FP1 outing with a third different team — having previously tested with McLaren and Haas in 2024.
Hirakawa Set For Suzuka FP1
Under current F1 regulations, teams are required to give young or reserve drivers at least four FP1 sessions per season — a change from the two previously mandated. For Alpine, this is the perfect opportunity to feature a home-grown talent on home soil.
“I’m really excited and grateful to drive the A525 this Friday,” said Hirakawa. “I still remember my first Japanese Grand Prix back in 2007. It was at Fuji, not Suzuka, but that experience sparked the dream — and now, 18 years later, I get to live it.”
He added, “We’ve been preparing hard at Enstone on the simulator, and now everything is in place. I just want to enjoy every second of it, do the best job I can for the team, and help steer the setup in the right direction.”
“Hopefully the weather plays nice! It’s a short session, but a special one, and I’m thankful to the entire Alpine team for trusting me with this opportunity.”
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Hirakawa Gets Alpine F1 Call-Up for Suzuka FP1 Run
Hirakawa Gets Alpine F1 Call-Up for Suzuka FP1 Run
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