This weekend's F1 World Championship race will be full of exciting moments, especially from a Japanese perspective. Local fans won't just be able to see Yuki Tsunoda take to the track.
Another youngster will also get a chance, namely Toyota WEC driver Ryo Hirakawa, who will be driving the 2025 Alpine. Hirakawa will be replacing Jack Doohan in FP1 of the Japanese Grand Prix, and it won't be completely unfamiliar territory for him to sit behind the wheel of a Formula 1 race car, as he already gained experience in Oscar Piastri's McLaren in Abu Dhabi last year.
"I'm really excited and looking forward to driving the A525 in the first free practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix. 18 years ago, in 2007, I watched the Japanese Grand Prix in Fuji, and soon I'll be able to experience firsthand what it feels like to race in front of my fanatical compatriots. It's going to be a dream come true, I can't wait!" said Hirakawa.
Photo: McLaren
