“I’m very excited, I can’t wait to drive the A525 in Free Practice 1 this weekend,” said Hirakawa. “I’m looking 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 1 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 simulator work in Enstone a few days ago and I’m going to enjoy the moment.
F1 NATION: Tsunoda’s Red Bull chance and the McLaren intra-team battle – it’s our Japanese GP preview
“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 is just one of Alpine’s roster of reserve drivers for 2025, which also includes Paul Aron, Kush Maini and Franco Colapinto.
.webp?ssl=1 "James Hinchcliffe picks his top five drivers of the 2026 Formula 1 season so far")
