Hirakawa joins Alpine's F1 reserve roster with Suzuka practice outing

Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa will take part in first practice for his home Formula One grand prix at Suzuka in April after being added to the test and reserve roster at Renault-owned Alpine.

The team said the 30-year-old, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 with Toyota, would also support them in the simulator and participate in a testing of Previous Car (TPC) programme.

Hirakawa was a reserve for 2024 champions McLaren last season.

"His addition brings a diverse range of racing experience to our current roster and expands the pool of talent available to call upon throughout the season," said Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes.

The team, based at Enstone in England, already has Estonian F2 driver Paul Aron as a reserve.

Experienced French driver Pierre Gasly and Australian rookie and previous reserve Jack Doohan are in the 2025 race line-up, although there continues to be speculation about the latter's future.

Media reports have indicated Argentine Franco Colapinto, who raced for Williams last year after American Logan Sargeant was dropped mid-season, could be offered a role.

"We’ll start the year with Pierre and Jack, I can guarantee that. After that, we’ll see as the season progresses," Alpine's executive advisor Flavio Briatore told France's Le Parisien newspaper last month.

The F1 season starts with the Australian Grand Prix in March.