Rio Hirakawa will drive in the first practice session
Alpine confirmed the temporary replacement of the driver in the first session of the free races of the Japanese Grand Prix. Reserve and test driver Rio Hirakawa will take the wheel as part of the mandatory tests for young riders.
This is the second Friday practice session for the Japanese driver, the first one he held last year in Abu Dhabi behind the wheel of a McLaren.
In Suzuka, 31-year-old Hirakawa will temporarily replace Jack Duane.
Rio Hirakawa: "I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the A525 in the first practice session on Friday. I remember 18 years ago, in 2007, when I first came to the Japanese Grand Prix, but then the race was held in Fuji.
That was the beginning of my racing career, and this weekend will be the fulfillment of a dream I've been striving for for many years. I've been preparing, working on the simulator at Enstone, and I want to make the most of this moment."
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Rio Hirakawa will drive in the first practice session
Alpine confirmed the temporary replacement of the driver in the first session of the free races of the Japanese Grand Prix...