This weekend's F1 World Championship race promises exciting moments, especially from a Japanese perspective. Local fans won't just see Yuki Tsunoda on track.
Another young driver will also have the opportunity, with Toyota WEC driver Ryo Hirakawa taking the 2025 Alpine into the race. Hirakawa will replace Jack Doohan in FP1 of the Japanese Grand Prix, and he will be familiar with the experience of driving a Formula 1 car, having already gained experience with Oscar Piastri's McLaren in Abu Dhabi last year.
"I'm incredibly excited and can't wait to drive the A525 in the first free practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix. Eighteen years ago, in 2007, I watched the race at Fuji, and soon I'll be able to experience for myself what it's like to race in front of my enthusiastic fellow countrymen. It will be a dream come true; I can't wait!" said Hirakawa.
Photo: McLaren
