Doohan loses key F1 practice

Australian rookie Jack Doohan will not get the chance to drive in the valuable FP1 session at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.

Instead Alpine has decided to swap Doohan for Japanese Reserve Ryo Hirakawa for the opening practice session at Suzuka.

Whilst it is no surprise given Hirakawa is a local and teams must run a driver during two FP1 sessions each year, it is telling they have replaced the rookie rather than the more experienced Pierre Gasly.

It is a blow for Doohan, who will arguably get the more out of participating in all three practice sessions given it is first time racing a F1 car at the demanding and twisty circuit than Gasly, who is making his seventh appearance there.

The Japanese Grand Prix is an important weekend for Doohan after finishing a solid 13^th in Shanghai, but tripped over Gabriel Bortoleto in the Sprint.

Hirakawa has already had a taste of F1 after a practice appearance with McLaren at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Ryo Hirakawa having a seat fit at Alpine. Image: Alpine

The 31-year-old comes from an endurance background, highlighted by victory at the 2022 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Hirakawa is one of four Alpine reserves alongside Paul Aron, Kush Maini and Franco Colapinto.

“I’m very excited, I can’t wait to drive the A525 in Free Practice 1 this weekend,” said Hirakawa.

“I’m looking back to 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.

“I just want to add my appreciation to everyone at the team for the opportunity and support.”

Doohan is hopeful of gaining an extra insight from Hirakawa’s running.

“It has been great to have a week off to regroup as a team after a tough start to the season,” he said.

“Pierre and I have spent some time at the factory debriefing from the first two rounds and preparing for the upcoming triple header starting with Japan.

“I am a big fan of the food and the culture in Japan, and I love making a stop in Tokyo to experience the culture and atmosphere there. The circuit is one I particularly love.

“I have raced there previously in Asian F3, but this will be my first time experiencing it in Formula One machinery which will provide a whole new challenge with its high speed and high-risk high-reward nature.

“I’ll be in the car from Free Practice 2 as Ryo drives in Free Practice 1.

“He has a lot of experience here so it will be good to take some of that knowledge for the weekend.

“The aim will be to make the most of the weekend and score some all-important points for the team.”

Photo by Sam Bagnall/Sutton Images/Alpine

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