The BWT Alpine Formula One Team made an electrifying announcement today, welcoming Japanese racing sensation Ryō Hirakawa into their fold as a test and reserve driver for the 2025 F1 season. This strategic move spices up their talent roster and ramps up support for their future test endeavors. Get ready for some high-octane action as Hirakawa gears up to bring his A-game to the prestigious world of Formula One.
As the test and reserve driver, Ryō Hirakawa is all set to rev up the scene with Alpine’s TPC program, where he’ll play a key role in car development and tech tweaks—especially zoned-in on simulator training. The spotlight moment, though, will be his spin during the Free Practice 1 (FP1) at the Suzuka circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix. It’s a buzz-worthy debut right on his home turf!
Hirakawa boasts an impressive motorsport pedigree, having competed in Super Formula, endurance races, and Super GT events. Between 2023 and 2024, he even took F1 cars out for a spin in a series of tests. In 2022, he clinched the championship at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans and secured a double crown in the FIA World Endurance Championship—a feat that firmly placed him in the pantheon of racing legends.
This news drops just on the eve of the Tokyo Motor Show, undoubtedly revving up plenty of buzz for the upcoming season.
When Ryō Hirakawa talked about joining the team, he shared that becoming a part of the BWT Alpine Formula One Team as a test and reserve driver for the 2025 season is a total honor. He mentioned that racing on the F1 circuit is the pinnacle for any racer. He’s especially pumped about hitting the track during the free practice at the Japanese Grand Prix, where he can share this thrilling experience with his home crowd and collaborate with the super passionate team.
Oliver Oakes, the head honcho at BWT Alpine F1 Team, believes that Hirakawa joining the crew is a total game-changer. He’s convinced that Hirakawa’s rich racing experience will be an invaluable addition to the team’s talent pool. Oakes is all geared up to tackle the thrilling new challenges that 2025 has in store with Hirakawa on board.
Ryō Hirakawa joining the BWT Alpine team is undeniably a major power-up, igniting excitement among race fans everywhere. Spotting Hirakawa on the F1 tracks isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s the dawn of a new era for Japanese racing culture. This cross-continental partnership is set to turbocharge the team’s dynamics, promising a turbo-charged and thrilling F1 season ahead.
