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. Hirakawa, 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’m very excited, I can’t wait to drive the A525 in Free Practice 1 this weekend,” said Hirakawa in the team’s media preview. “I’m looking back to 18 years ago to 2007, the first time I went to watch the Japanese Grand Prix, it was a different track, Fuji, but it was Formula One in Japan.
“Since then, I started my racing career and now to drive during the weekend is going to be a dream come true, I just can’t wait. I have got everything prepared, we did simulator work in Enstone a few days ago and I’m going to enjoy the moment,” added Hirakawa. “Hopefully the weather is good, it will be a short session, but I will enjoy it and do my best for the team to hopefully input some direction on set up.
“I just want to add my appreciation to everyone at the team for the opportunity and support.”
The team also shared a video message from the driver as he continued his preparation for FP1 at Alpine’s facility in Enstone:
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, two in each car.
This will be the first time that Doohan has sat out a practice session this season.
