P1racenews AI automatic summary:
FIA World Endurance Champion Ryo Hirawaka has been named an Alpine Formula 1 test and reserve driver per a Thursday announcement.
Japanese driver Ryō Hirakawa has a successful track record in Super Formula, Super GT, and FIA WEC, having secured victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and FIA WEC championships in 2022 and 2023. He will now be participating in TPC programmes with Alpine and driving in FP1 at the Japanese Grand Prix. Hirakawa expressed his excitement about joining BWT Alpine Formula One Team as a Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 season, emphasizing the significance of F1 track time and the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team with vast experience. His addition to Alpine’s driving roster fills the reserve driver position left by Jack Doohan and brings valuable racing expertise to the team. Alpine’s Team Principal Oliver Oakes is pleased to welcome Hirakawa onboard for the upcoming season, highlighting the importance of his role in supporting the team’s development areas and expressing anticipation for the collaboration in the upcoming season.
