F1 News: Ryo Hirakawa signs to be Alpine Test & Reserve Driver

BWT Alpine Formula One Team has announced that Ryō Hirakawa will join the team’s roster of Test and Reserve Drivers for 2025, expanding the pool of talent from which the team may call upon throughout the season for testing and driving duties.

Within his role as Test and Reserve Driver, Ryō will participate in the team’s TPC program and support with car development and technical understanding using the team’s simulator throughout the 2025 season. Ryō will also drive in Free Practice 1 at the Japanese Grand Prix (04 April) at Suzuka Circuit.

Ryō brings a wealth of experience to the team having competed across various disciplines including Super Formula, Endurance, and Super GT as well as having tested in Formula One machinery in 2023 and 2024. The Japanese driver most notably took overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 and is a two-time Hypercar Champion in the FIA World Endurance Championship (2022 and 2023).

The announcement comes in advance of the Tokyo Auto Salon (10-12 Jan).

Ryō Hirakawa, Test and Reserve Driver, BWT Alpine Formula One Team: “It is an honor to be joining BWT Alpine Formula One Team as a Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 season. As always, the opportunity of track time in Formula One machinery is the pinnacle for race drivers and I am excited to drive in Free Practice 1 in front of my home crowd at the Japanese Grand Prix, as well as working with the team testing previous cars. It is a great opportunity to be working with such a dedicated team that utilizes the breadth of experience of its driver pool and I look forward to playing a part in making 2025 a positive year together.”

Oliver Oakes, Team Principal, BWT Alpine Formula One Team: “It is great to bring Ryō on board with the team for 2025 and have him step in to take over driving duties for FP1 in Japan in front of his home crowd. His addition brings a diverse range of racing experience to our current roster and expands the pool of talent available to call upon throughout the season. His role will be important in providing the team with support in various areas of development through our TPC program and simulator work, and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the team as we press ahead with preparations for the new season.”