McLaren hands Abu Dhabi FP1 session to Rio Hirakawa
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McLaren-affiliated Japanese driver Rio Hirakawa will make his competitive Formula 1 debut when he takes part in next weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix opening practice session.
Hirakawa's presence in FP1 will complete McLaren's mandatory requirement to run two rookies in two practice sessions over the course of the season.
Arrow McLaren's Pato O'Ward fulfilled the team's first requirement at the Mexican Grand Prix and will also be seen in action with team papaya at Yas Marina in Formula 1's post-season test on Tuesday, 10 December.
Hirakawa, a seasoned 30-year-old driver, joined McLaren Racing's Driver Development Program in September 2023 as a reserve driver.
He has been instrumental in the team's simulator development at the McLaren Technology Centre, contributing his extensive experience and expertise.
Hirakawa has also had the opportunity to test McLaren's F1 cars in private, driving the MCL35M in 2023 and the MCL36 in 2024.
Renowned for his prowess in endurance racing, the Japanese charger clinched the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 and secured back-to-back World Endurance Championship titles with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in 2022 and 2023.
Additionally, he achieved Super GT GT500 championship glory in 2017 and was the Super Formula runner-up in 2020.
O'Ward joined McLaren's F1 Reserve Driver program in 2024, solidifying his connection with the team after joining Arrow McLaren in 2020.
Similar to Hirakawa, O'Ward plays a crucial role in simulator development and has driven older McLaren F1 cars in private testing. He has also participated in three FP1 sessions.
The IndyCar star has spent five successful seasons with Arrow McLaren, culminating in the 2024 season with three race wins, two podium finishes, and a remarkable second-place result at the prestigious Indy 500.
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