Alpine reserve Ryo Hirakawa will get to drive in frontꦡ of his home fans in opening practice for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.

Le Mans 24 Hours winner Hirakawa will take over 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Jack Doohan’s Alpine Formula 1 car in the hour-lonꦏg FP1 session on Fri💯day morning.

The news means that two Japanese drivers will be appearing at the Suzuka Circuit this weekend, with 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Yuki Tsunoda having received a promotion to168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史: Red Bull Racing after just over four seasons at AlphaTauri/168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Racing Bulls.

Hirakawa regularly raced at Suzuka in both the Super Formula and SUPER GT series as part of his factory commitment☂s with Toyota, although he never won a major race at the fabled track.

𝄹FP1 outings were always on the table since Hirakawa was added to Alpine’s reserve driver roster in January.

“I'm very e♛xcited, I can’t wait to drive the A525 in Free Practice 1 this weekend,” said Hirakawa.

“I’m lo🔥oking back to 18 years ago to 2007, the first time I went to watch the Japanese Grand Prix, it was a different track, Fuji🌳, but it was Formula One in Japan.

“Since then, I started my racing career and now to drive during the weekend is going to be a dream come true, I just can’t wait. I have got everything prepared, we did si🌜mulator work in Enstone a few days ago and I’m going to enjoy the moment.

“Hopefully the weather is good, it will be a short session, but I will enjoy it and do my best for the team to hopefully input some direction on set up. I just want to add my💮 appreciation to everyone at the team for the opportunity and support.”

Hirakawa, who races a Toyota Hypercar in the World Endurance Championship, is one of Alpine’s fourಌ reserve drivers this year.

Former Williams F1 driver 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Franco Colapinto and Formula 2 race winners Kush Maini and Paul Aron are 🍬also part of the team’s programme.

Prior to joining Alpine, Hirakawa gained exp﷽erience in F1 machinery as part of McLaren’s driver development programme in 2024.