Another Japanese in the Japanese Grand Prix

The weekend F1 World Championship race promises exciting moments, especially from a Japanese perspective. Local fans will not only see Yuki Tsunoda hitting the track.

Another young driver will also get the chance, specifically Toyota WEC driver Ryo Hirakawa will take the 2025 Alpine for a spin. Hirakawa is set to jump in for Jack Doohan during the FP1 of the Japanese Grand Prix, and sitting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car won't be completely unfamiliar territory for him, as he gained experience last year in Abu Dhabi with Oscar Piastri's McLaren.

"I am incredibly excited and I can’t wait to drive the A525 during the first practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix. 18 years ago, in 2007, I watched the Japanese Grand Prix in Fuji, and soon I will personally experience what it feels like to race in front of my passionate fellow countrymen. It will be a dream come true, I’m really looking forward to it!" - said Hirakawa.

Photo: McLaren