Ai Ogura’s Bold Leap: Embracing the Future with Trackhouse Aprilia After Leaving Honda’s Nest

Ai Ogura reveals his decision to part ways with Honda for a MotoGP spot

Ai Ogura has inked a deal with Trackhouse Aprilia, marking his progression to MotoGP and his departure from Honda by the close of 2024.

The Thursday prior to the Austrian MotoGP witnessed the announcement of Ai Ogura joining Trackhouse Aprilia for the 2025 season, marking the departure of the Japanese racer from Honda once this season concludes.

During a pre-event press conference in Austria, Ogura, a rider for the MT Helmets MSI team in the Moto2 category, shared his excitement about advancing to the premier class next season.

He expressed his excitement, stating, "It's an incredible sensation. I'm overjoyed to be making this move to MotoGP. It's the pinnacle of what you can achieve, and there's nothing beyond it, so I'm thrilled to be taking this final step. Now, I'm eager to discover my capabilities in this new arena."

Over the past two and a half seasons, Aprilia has established itself as a top contender in MotoGP, ranking among the top three motorcycles in terms of performance. Meanwhile, in its debut season, the Trackhouse team has seen significant success, highlighted by Miguel Oliveira securing a podium finish in the Sprint event in Germany.

When questioned about his potential performance with the Trackhouse team in MotoGP, Ogura was tight-lipped.

"Regarding MotoGP, I'm not familiar with the aspects I'm unaware of," he mentioned. "However, it appears that both the team and the motorcycle are highly competitive. I believe I've made the right choice for the upcoming year."

Ogura is set to stand out not only as a unique case of a Japanese racer competing in MotoGP with a team from outside Japan but will also be the inaugural rider to ascend to MotoGP after progressing through the Asia Talent Cup (ATC), Dorna’s pioneering Talent Cup series, upon his entrance next season.

"Ogura expressed astonishment, stating, "It's truly remarkable." He credited his beginnings to the Asia Talent Cup, noting that he continues to collaborate with colleagues from those early days. He extended profound gratitude to everyone involved in the project, expressing his joy at progressing to a MotoGP rider after participating in the Cup races."

Ogura's journey to MotoGP started on the Road to MotoGP via the ATC, where he has maintained a strong connection with Honda from the outset. He transitioned to the Moto3 Junior World Championship (currently known as JuniorGP) in 2016 as part of the Asia Talent Team, and then remained with Honda Team Asia for the entirety of his Grand Prix career until this year. This year marked his move to the previously mentioned MT Helmets MSI team.

Currently, he still sports the HRC emblem on his left shoulder area of his racing suit.

In response to a question about his feelings on joining MotoGP with a team other than Honda, a brand he has been associated with since his early days in Tokyo, Ogura expressed, "Regarding this matter, naturally, I'm not exactly pleased."

"Advancing to MotoGP with Honda would undoubtedly be ideal. However, I must also consider my long-term career prospects and current circumstances when making my choice."

When inquired if his choice was influenced by the performance of the Honda RC213V — which hasn't secured a position in the top 10 in 2024 — in comparison to the Aprilia RS-GP, the 23-year-old responded affirmatively, stating, "Yes."

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