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Ryo Hirakawa joins Miyata, Lawson in Super Formula exodus
Japanese racing driver Ryo Hirakawa has decided to step away from Super Formula to focus on his commitments with Toyota in the World Endurance Championship and his reserve driver duties for McLaren in Formula 1. Hirakawa, who joined McLaren as a reserve driver at the Japanese Grand Prix, cited scheduling conflicts between Super Formula and F1 as the reason for his decision. He leaves Super Formula with four wins and a best championship placing of second in 2020, but has not ruled out a return in the future. Hirakawa expressed gratitude to Toyota President Akio Toyoda for the opportunity to work in F1. In other Super Formula news, this year’s champion Ritomo Miyata will not defend his title as he embarks on a dual programme in Formula 2 and the European Le Mans Series with Carlin. Miyata’s plans to compete in the WEC were changed to accommodate the F2 opportunity.
