After four seasons in Moto2, where he even became a vice-champion, Ai Ogura will finally make his move to MotoGP in 2025. The rider, who was associated with Honda until last year, was announced this Thursday by Trackhouse Racing – the satellite team of Aprilia.
In a press conference, the Japanese rider did not hide that he would have preferred to debut in the premier class with his home manufacturer, but this was the ideal path for his future: ‘I’m not fully happy; if I could make the step to MotoGP with Honda, of course it would be the best. But at the same time I have to think about my future and the situation, so that was my decision’.
When asked if there was a possibility of moving up to MotoGP with Honda, and whether he chose Trackhouse due to potential performance, Ogura confirmed briefly: ‘Yes’.
What is certain is that the rider will debut in MotoGP, which is, for him, a reason for happiness: ‘It’s really special. I’m really happy that finally I’m making this step. MotoGP is the maximum that you can have, there is no more. I’m really happy to make the last step and now I can’t just wait to see what I can do there’.
On the other hand, Ogura expressed confidence in the potential of Trackhouse and the Aprilia RS-GP: ‘Well, about MotoGP I don’t really know about the things, so I don’t know. But it looks like the team and the bike are really competitive. I think I’m in the correct place for the next year and I can’t thank enough to the team’.