Alpine’s Jack Doohan will sit out this Friday’s opening practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix as reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa takes the wheel of the Aussie’s A525 in FP1.
The two-time World Endurance Champion, who currently races for Toyota Gazoo racing in the WEC, was signed by Alpine earlier this year as one of the French outfit’s test and reserve drivers.
The 31-year-old’s run in FP1 fulfills one of the mandatory two practice outings per car that all teams must allocate to inexperienced drivers during the season.
Hirakawa’s Homecoming Debut
Hirakawa’s participation in FP1 marks a significant milestone in his career, building on his prior F1 experience with McLaren during last year’s Abu Dhabi GP practice session.
“I'm very excited, I can’t wait to drive the A525 in Free Practice 1 this weekend,” commented the Japanese charger.
“I’m looking back 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.
“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.”
Doohan Embraces the Challenge Ahead
While Doohan will have to wait until FP2 to begin his weekend, he sees the situation as an opportunity to benefit from Hirakawa’s track knowledge.
“I’ll be in the car from free practice two as Ryo drives in free practice one,” Doohan said in Alpine’s Japanese Grand Prix preview. “He has a lot of experience here so it will be good to take some of that knowledge for the weekend.”
The Australian, who is set for his fourth Formula 1 race start, is eager to take on the iconic Suzuka Circuit, a venue that holds special meaning for him.
“The circuit is one I particularly love,” he added. “I have raced there previously in Asian F3, but this will be my first time experiencing it in Formula 1 machinery, which will provide a whole new challenge with its high speed and high-risk, high-reward nature.”
With simulator work already completed at Enstone, Hirakawa is primed to maximize the 60-minute session, weather permitting.
For Doohan, the focus shifts to FP2, where he’ll harness Hirakawa’s insights to fine-tune his approach for the rest of the weekend.
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