JPNRyo Hirakawa
Ryo Hirakawa is a Japanese racing driver who has gained recognition for his talent in sports car racing, particularly in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), and has also participated in super GT racing in Japan. Born on May 24, 1994, in Kakegawa, Japan, Hirakawa's journey in motorsport began at a young age with karting, which led him to climb the ranks in Japanese motorsport.
Hirakawa made his mark in single-seater racing in Japan before transitioning to more prominent racing series. His breakthrough came in 2013, when he joined the Japanese Formula 3 Championship and quickly showed his potential, finishing in the top positions in his debut season. His success in Formula 3 led to him being recognized as one of Japan’s top young driving talents.
In 2014, Hirakawa moved to the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, one of the key stepping stones to Formula 1. He had an impressive season in Formula Renault, finishing as a race winner and regularly competing at the front of the field. This caught the attention of several teams, and he continued to be a promising prospect in open-wheel racing.
However, Hirakawa’s path to Formula 1 was not meant to be, and instead, he found greater success in sports car racing. In 2017, he joined Toyota Gazoo Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), where he began to show his talents in endurance racing. His decision to join Toyota was a turning point in his career, as it allowed him to race with one of the most successful teams in the world of endurance racing. Hirakawa quickly adapted to the challenges of endurance racing and impressed with his speed, consistency, and ability to perform in the long, demanding races.
One of Hirakawa’s standout performances came in 2021, when he was part of the Toyota Gazoo Racing team that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Hypercar category. His contribution to the team’s success in the prestigious race showcased his skill and ability to perform under pressure. Hirakawa has become a key part of the Toyota endurance team and has earned a reputation as one of the top drivers in the WEC.
Alongside his success in endurance racing, Hirakawa also competes in the Super GT Championship in Japan, one of the premier motorsport series in the country. He drives for the TOM'S team, one of the most successful teams in the series, and has had several podium finishes and race wins in the highly competitive series.
Hirakawa is known for his calm and methodical driving style, which is crucial in endurance racing, where consistency over long distances is key. His ability to manage tire wear, fuel strategy, and track conditions is highly valued in endurance racing, where drivers are required to be both fast and strategic.
Off the track, Hirakawa is known for his humble and reserved personality, which is characteristic of many Japanese drivers. He is highly regarded for his professionalism and work ethic, and his focus on improving his driving and performance in every race has made him a respected figure in both Japanese motorsport and international endurance racing.
In summary, Ryo Hirakawa is a talented Japanese racing driver who has made his mark in sports car racing, particularly in the FIA World Endurance Championship and Super GT. His success with Toyota Gazoo Racing, including a victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, has solidified his place as one of Japan’s top endurance drivers. Hirakawa’s calm and consistent driving style, along with his work ethic and determination, have made him a highly respected figure in the motorsport world.