Hirakawa to Drive in FP1 at Home Grand Prix
Rio Hirakawa to Take Part in FP1 at the Japanese Grand Prix
Rio Hirakawa will step in for a regular driver during the first free practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix.
As RaceBrief.com reports, under the 2025 regulations, each full-time driver is required to give up their seat for a young driver at least twice during the season. Previously, the rule only required one such outing per season. As a result, the Japanese racer will get the opportunity to compete in his home Grand Prix for the first time.
A World Endurance Champion (WEC) with Toyota, Hirakawa is currently serving as a reserve driver for the Alpine F1 Team. Last season, he was McLaren’s reserve and took part in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, substituting for Oscar Piastri and driving the MCL38.
Rio Hirakawa said: "I’m extremely excited and can’t wait to drive the A525 in FP1 this weekend. I remember going to Fuji in 2007 to watch my very first Japanese Grand Prix. It was a different circuit, but seeing Formula 1 in Japan was truly inspiring. That experience sparked my racing journey, and now, to actually drive in a session is a dream come true. I’m really looking forward to it."
Hirakawa has prior experience at the Suzuka Circuit, having competed there in the Super Formula series between 2013 and 2023.
Alpine driver Jack Doohan also highlighted Hirakawa’s knowledge of the circuit, stating: "He has a lot of experience here, and I appreciate the team’s intention to benefit from that during the weekend."
