Haas has named Ryo Hirakawa as its reserve driver for 2025 and can run the skilled Japanese in first apply at this weekend Bahrain Grand Prix.
Hirakawa has been amassing expertise in a number of completely different System 1 vehicles in current months, with testing of earlier automotive (TPC) outings with McLaren resulting in driving FP1 for a similar crew in Abu Dhabi final yr. Hirakawa then drove for Haas within the younger driver check that adopted the top of final season, earlier than an FP1 outing at Suzuka for Alpine final weekend.
The Suzuka look got here as a part of Hirakawa’s function as certainly one of a number of reserve choices at Alpine, however Haas has now additionally named the 32-year-old – who’s affiliated with its technical associate Toyota – as its reserve.
Hirakawa will full all 4 of Haas’ rookie outings this season, changing Ollie Bearman in Bahrain and Mexico Metropolis, whereas he’ll take over Esteban Ocon’s automotive in Barcelona and Abu Dhabi.
“I’m excited to affix MoneyGram Haas F1 Workforce, I actually respect this chance, and I’m actually trying ahead to a brand new journey with the crew,” Hirakawa mentioned. “I’m driving my first FP1 session in Bahrain, so for me to have pushed at two race weekends in a row is thrilling, and I can’t wait to get to Bahrain.
“I want to thank Komatsu-san, MoneyGram Haas F1 Workforce, Morizo-san (Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Company) and Toyota Gazoo Racing for this chance, it’s a brand new problem for me and I can’t wait to get began.”
Komatsu says the observe time Hirakawa has been build up throughout so many groups provides him a big understanding of various vehicles that Haas can faucet into.
“It’s nice to welcome Ryo to MoneyGram Haas F1 Workforce and have his expertise bolster our information and understanding of the VF-25,” Komatsu mentioned. “His suggestions was very detailed on the post-season check final yr, so having the ability to present Ryo priceless observe time throughout 4 completely different circuits this yr will assist the whole crew.
“As a part of our collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing, it’s nice to welcome new expertise into the crew – it’s an actual pleasure to work with a racer of his driving acumen.”
Hirakawa is not going to be the one rookie driving in FP1 in Bahrain, with Dino Beganovic getting his first outing at Ferrari as certainly one of plenty of anticipated alternative drivers. The venue lends itself effectively as a result of FP1 and FP3 are much less consultant for race drivers given the sundown timing of the grand prix, and their better expertise of the observe as a result of testing.
