The rumor has been intensifying for several weeks: after having been rumored for a long time at LCR Honda, Ai Ogura has just made his promotion official in MotoGP in the Aprilia clan.
The Japanese will join Raul Fernandez to complete the Trackhouse Racing line-up until the end of 2026. He will become Japan's new hero in MotoGP. A five-time winner in Moto2, Ogura is a serious contender for the Drivers' title, which he is currently competing for with his Spanish teammate, Sergio Garcia.
He will certainly be the only representative of his country during the next campaign, Takaaki Nakagami probably having to give up his place to another Moto2 rider at Honda.
Equipped with the latest version of the RS-GP, it will allow Japan to regain hope. The last victory of the country of the Rising Sun in the premier category dates back to 2004. Makoto Tamada then found the path to success at home.
Ai Ogura, Japan's new star?
If he is successful in MotoGP, the No. 3 could continue his rise in the ranking of Japanese riders with the most Grand Prix victories. Currently eighth in the table with five achievements (before the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix), he could enter the legend of his country and join stars of the discipline such as Tetsuya Harada (17 victories), Daijiro Kato (17) or Youichi Ui, with eleven successes.
“First of all, I would like to say thank you to everyone who is part of this project and to everyone who has supported me, confides the principal concerned. Of course it's a dream! This is the last step to take.
MotoGP is the elite, so obviously I'm very happy to achieve it, He continues. I'm very happy to be able to race in the premier class and I can't wait to do it with Trackhouse Racing. I see that the team is really competitive and the bike is very fast. As a driver, my job is to do everything I can with what I have. »
Before taking the plunge, however, he still has one last mission to accomplish in Moto2. “I can't wait to attack 2025. But for the moment, I have to think about the World Championship. I will try to finish this year in the best way possible and arrive well prepared in 2025. Thank you everyone and see you next year! »
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