Ai Ogura secures his first MotoGP podium at Le Mans: "We're going to celebrate!"

It wasn't until the end of the race that the picture became fully clear. Starting eighth, Ai Ogura delivered a patient and steady climb, much like Jorge Martín's ascent from seventh. The Japanese driver even closed in on Marco Bezzecchi in the final laps but couldn't launch a decisive attack on the championship leader, ultimately settling for third place, which nonetheless felt like his first trophy. "What can I say, it's incredible! The race was tough, I tried to attack from the start, but I lost a few positions and had to fight my way back up. It wasn't an easy race, but I had a good pace at the end. I'm so happy for my mechanics and my team, we're going to celebrate!"

This result is historic for several reasons. Ai Ogura becomes the first Japanese driver to reach the podium in MotoGP Since Katsuyuki Nakasuga at the 2012 Valencia Grand Prix — that's almost fourteen years of waiting for Japan in the premier class. Furthermore, with Jorge Martín winning, Marco Bezzecchi second, and Ai Ogura third, this is the first time Aprilia has monopolized an entire MotoGP podium — a feat that illustrates the Italian brand's growing strength in the championship.

The first of many?

This podium finish crowns the young rider's steady progress since his arrival in the premier class. The Japanese rider, who was competing in his first full MotoGP season with Trackhouse Racing in 2025, had previously plateaued with points finishes but never managed to place in the top 3. His best result before this Sunday at Le Mans was a fourth place, which he achieved at the Thai Grand Prix — a glass ceiling that he has now shattered in spectacular fashion, on one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar and in difficult racing conditions.

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