Toyota Gazoo Racing has two major sports projects internationally framed in the WRC and the WEC. If there is something in common between both programs it is the desire of the Japanese firm to have a first-rate Japanese pilot. In the World Rally Championship, Takamoto Katsuta already competes in the elite and has achieved his first podium in the championship. For its part, the brand has in Kazuki Nakajima and Kamui Kobayashi the perfect claim in resistance. Nevertheless, Toyota works on shaping the next generation of Japanese drivers and that’s where Ryo Hirakawa’s name appears.
Ryo Hirakawa is part of the Toyota Young Drivers Program (TDP) and has entered the Toyota Gazoo Racing test program in the World Endurance Championship. Although Hirakawa at 27 is enjoying a double competitive program in Japan with his presence alongside Team TOM’S in Super GT and with Team IMPUL in Super Formula, his jump to the WEC seems to be simmering on the part of Toyota. For now Hirakawa was already able to test the Toyota GR010 Hybrid in one of the hypercar prototype development tests of the brand that took place at the beginning of the year in Portimao.
A test session that will now have a replica, since Ryo Hirakawa will have the opportunity to get back on the Toyota GR010 Hybrid in Spain. The Japanese pilot will be able to ride with the brand’s LMH prototype between September 22 and 24, within the test program that the team plans to complete at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The statement issued by Toyota Gazoo Racing to confirm this test session explicitly highlights the brand’s commitment to develop young drivers for the present and future sports programs of the manufacturer.