A Formula 1 team has announced a surprise switch as one of their drivers edges closer to a rare punishment.
Haas confirmed earlier this year that Ryo Hirakawa would join the team as their official reserve driver for the remainder of the season.
The 31-year-old Japanese star had previously been part of Alpine's set-up, even taking part in first practice for the team at the Japanese Grand Prix in April. Although Hirakawa was originally brought in by Haas to provide cover for Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon, he may get a chance to step up and prove his worth.
At the Italian Grand Prix, Bearman was hit with a 10-second time penalty for causing a collision with Carlos Sainz's Williams. He also picked up two penalty points on his super license, which brought his total to 10 points over the last 12 months.
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It leaves the British youngster just two points away from the 12-point threshold that brings about an automatic race ban. He needs to get through to the Brazilian Grand Prix in November, when points will drop off his license.
Who was the last driver to receive a ban?
The last driver to serve a ban was Kevin Magnussen last season with Haas, when he was side-lined following an incident at the Italian Grand Prix last year.
On that occasion, Bearman benefitted, as he stepped up and secured a point with a 10th place finish at the Azerbaijan GP.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen also came close to a ban earlier this year.
After he appeared to deliberately crash into George Russell at the Spanish GP, he brought his penalty points up to 11, just one short of the mark that would trigger a ban.
Verstappen managed to keep a clean record in the following two races, allowing one penalty point to drop off his super license.
Who is Ryo Hirakawa?
If Bearman collects another penalty from an incident and receives a ban, then it will be Hirakawa that is called upon to replace him.
The Japanese driver has gathered F1 experience at several teams, having previously spent time at McLaren as well.
Away from Formula 1, Hirakawa also has an impressive CV in motor racing more generally.
He won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in his debut season.
Hirakawa has also competed in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and enjoyed a successful career in Japan's Super GT series.
Topics: Formula 1, Haas F1 Team, Motorsport
James Taylor