[citation needed] In 2003, he moved to Formula Renault, at the Prema Power team.

After coming twelfth for Team Rosberg, he was made a Toyota F1 test driver in 2006 and came third in the Formula Three Euroseries.

In 2007 he continued as a Toyota test driver and also drove for GP2 team Trident Racing.

[citation needed] Hirate returned to Japan in 2008, where he competed in both Formula Nippon and Super GT.

He finished fourth in the 2008 Formula Nippon season and fifth in 2009, both times driving for Team Impul.