Toyota protégé Ryo Hirakawa has left Alpine after just three months with the French outfit and moved to Haas to become its official reserve driver.
The 30-year-old Japanese driver, renowned for his exceptional versatility and experience across multiple racing disciplines, was signed up by Alpine in January and made his official debut with the team at Suzuka last weekend when he took part in FP1.
Hirakawa – who ran with McLaren in FP1 in Abu Dhabi last December as well as with Haas in F1’s post-season test at Yas Marina – impressed in Friday’s opening practice session, finishing P12 and outpacing Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly.
It seems that this convinced Haas, which enjoys a partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing, to seal a deal with Alpine for Hirakawa’s release and immediate transfer the US outfit, although it’s likely the two parties engaged in discussions well before last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
"It’s great to welcome Ryō to MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and have his experience bolster our knowledge and understanding of the VF-25," said Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu.
“His feedback was very detailed at the post-season test last year, so being able to provide Ryo valuable track time across four different circuits this year will help the entire team.
"As part of our collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing, it’s great to welcome new talent into the team – it’s a real pleasure to work with a racer of his driving acumen."
Back in the Saddle in Bahrain
Hirakawa has already been earmarked for four Friday practice outings with Haas, starting this week in Bahrain where he will take over Oliver Bearman’s car in FP1.
He will replace the young Briton again in Mexico later this season while Esteban Ocon will cede his seat to the Japanese charger in Spain and in Abu Dhabi.
“I’m excited to join MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, I really appreciate this opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to a new journey with the team,” commented the two-time WEC Hypercar champion.
“I’m driving my first FP1 session in Bahrain, so for me to have driven at two race weekends in a row is exciting, and I can’t wait to get to Bahrain.
I would like to thank Komatsu-san, MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, Morizo-san (Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation) and Toyota GAZOO Racing for this opportunity, it’s a new challenge for me and I can’t wait to get started.”
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