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An official confirmation is expected for Ai Ogura regarding his promotion to the MotoGP with the Trackhouse team in the next few days or maybe hours. Rumors of the Japanese rider being the number one candidate to become Raul Fernandez's future teammate have intensified in recent days and, by now, everyone in the paddock is taking it for granted that Ogura is the American team's choice (obviously with Aprilia's approval).
Ogura is also likely to be the only Japanese rider in the top class, since Nakagami's adventure with LCR seems to be an end, in order to make way for Somkiat Chantra. Everyone imagined a passing of the baton between the two, and Lucio Cecchinello admitted that he was very surprised by Ogura's decision to leave Honda, which had allowed him to land in the MotoGP.
Our colleagues at Crash.net interviewed the Japanese rider (read full article HERE), while below is an excerpt from the interview, outlining the character of this talented rider who, in the past, has taken the luxury of saying "no" to Honda HRC so that he could get into the top class riding a competitive bike. As a reminder, Ogura is currently in second place in the Moto2 overall standings, 18 points behind the leader, and his teammate, Garcia, therefore fully fighting for the title.
The first topic of the interview is about Ogura's past heros, and he has no doubt about his favorite.
"My hero is Daijiro Kato. I think he's the best Japanese rider in history. When I was growing up as a child, he was already gone and my references were Rossi, Stoner, Lorenzo, and Pedrosa. But I studied so many videos of Kato. For me, he's number one."
Regarding his future in Trackhouse, Ogura couldn't comment.
"What I can say now is to wait for the announcement! That's all I have to say, for now. If I were to switch to the MotoGP, there would be two options. Nakagami said I'm ready for the changae, and I'm really happy that he said that about me."
The Japanese rider is having a special moment in 2024.
"This season was clearly the best for me. 2022 was my second year in the Moto2, and I adapted well to the category, but there were still many things I didn't know. Sometimes, as a rider, when you don't know something, it's easier to go faster, because you don't know what the limit is. I was in that situation in 2022. So, fighting for the title then, compared to now, in 2024, means a lot more to me, especially after a difficult 2023 season. I was able to come back with a new team, new tires, and a different frame. It's been a year of big changes for me, so I'm enjoying it and I'm happy."
The transition to the MT Helmet MSI team also played a role.
"If nobody pushes you, you feel safe and relaxed, and you can be happy even with a fifth place, for example. But, in a team like this (MT Helmets MSI), you have to be fast all the time. It's good for me, and that's why I decided to join a European team. And it's good to have a fast teammate like Sergio."
photocredit @Ai Ogura IG
