F1: Alpine Signs Ryo Hirakawa as Test and Reserve Driver

Alpine has signed Ryo Hirakawa as Test and Reserve driver and will make his track debut for Alpine at the Japanese Grand Prix in April.

Alpine Formula 1 Team has signed Le Mans 24 Hours winner Ryo Hirakawa as a test and reserve driver for the 2025 season. He will work in Alpine's Testing of Previous Cars (TCP) program, support car development through simulator sessions, and make his track debut for Alpine at the Japanese Grand Prix in April. Previously Ruo Hirakawa has competed for Toyota in the Hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship, where he has won two titles. In December, he tested Haas's 2024 F1 car during the Abu Dhabi young driver test, following Toyota's technical collaboration with the American F1 Team. Now part of Alpine, Hirakawa joins a reserve driver lineup that includes Formula 2 race winner Paul Aron, bringing his expertise to strengthen the team's talent pool.

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Ryo Hirakawa said: 'It is an honor to be joining BWT Alpine Formula One Team as a Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 season. As always, the opportunity of track time in Formula One machinery is the pinnacle for race drivers and I am excited to drive in Free Practice 1 in front of my home crowd at the Japanese Grand Prix, as well as working with the team testing previous cars . It is a great opportunity to be working with such a dedicated team that uses the breadth of experience of its driver pool and I look forward to playing a part in making 2025 a positive year together.'

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Alpine F1 Team principal Oliver Oakes said: 'It is great to bring Ryō on board with the team for 2025 and have him step in to take over driving duties for FP1 in Japan in front of his home crowd. His addition brings a diverse range of racing experience to our current roster and expands the pool of talent available to call upon throughout the season. His role will be important in providing the team with support in various areas of development through our TPC program and simulator work, and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the team as we press ahead with preparations for the new season.'

F1: Alpine Signs Castore as New Kit Partner

Alpine F1 Team has partnered with Castore, naming the British sportswear brand as its official kit supplier. Castore will provide racewear and team apparel for Alpine F1 drivers, engineers, and staff, both on and off the track. In addition to racewear, Castore will manage Alpine's online store.

F1 Alpine Castore

The partnership also includes the Alpine Academy and Alpine Sim Racing programs. Athletes from these programs will wear Castore apparel, further expanding the brand's role within the Alpine motorsport community.