Japanese Grand Prix: Ryo Hirakawa replaces Jack Doohan in Free Practice 1

Ryo Hirakawa will take the wheel of the Alpine A525 during the first free practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend. The Japanese driver, who serves as the French team’s reserve for the 2025 season, will replace Jack Doohan for the session, in accordance with the FIA’s mandatory rookie practice requirements.

A return to his roots

At 31 years old, Hirakawa will experience a symbolic moment at the Suzuka Circuit, where he has raced multiple times in Super Formula, Japan’s top-tier single-seater championship. This FP1 outing also marks his first real-world experience in a Formula 1 car since joining Alpine. He had previously completed test sessions with McLaren and Haas, notably at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

In a statement released by the team, Hirakawa shared his excitement about driving the Alpine: « I’m looking forward to driving the A525 during Free Practice 1 this weekend. I remember 2007, 18 years ago, the first time I attended the Japanese Grand Prix. It was at another circuit — Fuji — but it was still Formula 1 in Japan. Since then, I’ve started my career in motorsport, and getting to drive this weekend is a dream come true. I’ve prepared thoroughly, we did simulator work at Enstone a few days ago, and I’m going to enjoy the moment. I hope the weather stays good. It’ll be a short session, but I’ll make the most of it and give everything I can to the team, hopefully providing some useful feedback. Finally, I want to thank the whole team for the opportunity and their support. »

An experienced driver despite rookie status

Though new to F1, Hirakawa is by no means inexperienced. A double world champion in endurance racing with Toyota and a Le Mans 24 Hours winner in 2022, he brings a wealth of knowledge about high-speed circuits like Suzuka. His role at Alpine extends beyond this free practice session. The Japanese driver is also involved in simulator development and Testing Previous Cars (TPC) sessions.

For Jack Doohan, currently navigating a pressured rookie season with Alpine, giving up his seat for FP1 presents an opportunity to capitalize on Hirakawa’s experience at Suzuka: « I’ll be in the car from Free Practice 2 onwards, while Ryo runs in Free Practice 1. He has a lot of experience here, so it’ll be good to benefit from his knowledge for the weekend. The goal will be to make the most of the weekend and score important points for the team, » he stated.

A long-term strategy for Alpine

Ryo Hirakawa is part of Alpine’s expanded roster of reserve drivers for the 2025 season, which also includes Paul Aron, Kush Maini, and Franco Colapinto, the latter having briefly driven for Williams. Hirakawa’s experienced profile contrasts with the younger, rising talents typically chosen for such roles. According to *Autosport*, the Japanese driver left McLaren for Alpine in pursuit of a clearer path to a potential Grand Prix seat, as Norris and Piastri are tied to McLaren long term.

For this FP1 outing at Suzuka, Hirakawa will have to quickly adapt to the A525 — a still relatively new car — while managing the expectations of his home crowd.