Japanese F3 champion Hirakawa to race for Coyne in Sonoma

Reigning Japanese Formula 3 champion Ryo Hirakawa is in the frame to make his IndyCar debut with Dale Coyne Racing at Sonoma in two weeks reports Autosport.

The 19-year-old, who is currently 11th in the Super Formula (formerly Formula Nippon) standings, is expected to test with the team before the end of the year and could sample its second car as soon as the open test on August 21st at Sonoma.

Hirakawa drives a Toyota powered car in Super Formula so we would be surprised if he is being promoted by Honda to give the Japanese youngster a shot at IndyCar. Of course Dale Coyne uses Honda IndyCar engines. Then again, maybe Honda wants to nab the talented driver from rival Toyota. zzz

Team owner Dale Coyne confirmed that there are plans to test the Japanese driver but said that putting him into the race at Sonoma was unlikely due to a date clash.

Multiple paddock sources at Mid-Ohio last weekend connected the teenager to the Sonoma seat.
pppo "He'll be testing, yes, but I'm not sure about racing because he has a date conflict," Coyne said.

"He's been making quick progress coming up in Japan and has had quite a bit of success so far." In part from Autosport