Trade News: with $170 Alpine signs McLaren’s F1 Star driver Ryō Hirakawa in a trade deal as a test……

Ahead of the upcoming season, Alpine has announced that Ryō Hirakawa will join the Anglo-French team as test and reserve driver for 2025, expanding the pool of drivers from which the Enstone-based team may call upon throughout the season for testing and driving duties.

Hirakawa previously fulfilled test driver duties at McLaren, and he will now take on the role of test and reserve driver at Alpine. As part of his duties, the Japanese driver will participate in the Alpine’s TPC programme and support with car development and technical understanding using the team’s simulator throughout the 2025 season.

In addition, Hirakawa will also drive in the opening practice at the Japanese Grand Prix that will take place at the Suzuka Circuit at the beginning of April.

Hirakawa has collected a wealth of experience over the past years, having competed across various disciplines including Super Formula, Endurance, and Super GT as well as having tested in Formula One machinery in 2023 and 2024.

His most most remarkable result is his overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022, and he is also a two-time Hypercar Champion in the FIA World Endurance Championship (2022 and 2023).

Commenting on the announcement, Hirakawa noted: “It is an honour 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 utilises the breadth of experience of its driver pool and I look forward to playing a part in making 2025 a positive year together.”

Reflecting on the announcement, Alpine’s team boss Oliver Oakes added: “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 programme and simulator work, and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the team as we press ahead with preparations for the new season.”

By Balazs Szabo on 10 Jan 2025, 12:00

Williams became the second team after Ferrari to confirm the day on which it will unveil its 2025 F1 car that will be piloted by Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz.

The Grove-based outfit has revealed that it will show off its brand-new car for the 2025 F1 season on February 14 as the team enters the next stage of its transformation plan in F1’s 75th year.

The new car that will be referred to as FW47 will be revealed at a promotional event at the Silverstone circuit, home to the first-ever Formula 1 Championship Grand Prix in 1950.

The 2025 F1 car will appear in a bespoke one-off livery, with the 2025 race livery being revealed on February 18 at the F1 season launch at London’s The O2.

Confirming its transformation plans, Williams noted: “The team is investing in the people, technology and infrastructure needed to achieve its long-term mission of returning to the front of the grid and winning multiple World Championships.”

Reflecting on the announcement, Williams team boss James Vowles noted: “There is a tremendous amount to look forward to for Williams in 2025 – we have fantastic race drivers in Alex and Carlos, top engineers joining from across the grid and new facilities becoming operational at our Grove HQ.

“As part of our comeback plan, we have been working on our 2025 car for some time and I can’t wait to see it at Silverstone on February 14. Everyone in the team is giving everything to get this team back where it belongs as we head towards the major rule changes for 2026. It’s going to be an exciting year.”

Commenting on the announcement, Alex Albon noted: “Everyone at the factory is working hard to get our car ready for the new season.

“Launching on February 14 should be a great way to start an important year for us as a team, fighting as hard as we can with both cars from the outset this year and looking forward to opportunities ahead in 2026. I can’t wait to see the results of the teamwork and dedication that makes this team so special.”

Speaking ahead of his first season, Carlos Sainz noted: “It’s an important time for the team and we are all going to push to bring Williams back to the front of the grid as soon as possible. I was very impressed with the team back in Abu Dhabi.

“After a long year, it was great to watch the motivation and effort that everyone put in at such an important test. Thanks to that, we’ve been able to put together a solid plan and we have already started working on it to make sure we are as prepared as possible ahead of the pre-season test and first race.

“We’re not far away from the Silverstone car launch and I can’t wait to see my new ride! 2025 will be an exciting year and we are fully committed to putting together a strong season. VAMOS!”