Strategic Maneuvers: Trackhouse’s Potential Political Play in MotoGP Rider Negotiations

"Strategic" considerations speculated behind Trackhouse's major racer selection move

Is Joe Roberts poised to become Trackhouse's top recruitment choice?

It's speculated that Trackhouse might be engaging with different racers to leverage negotiations for signing Joe Roberts.

In a surprising turn of events, rising Moto2 sensation Ai Ogura has emerged as the leading candidate for the Trackhouse MotoGP spot for the 2025 season, just before the British Grand Prix.

Crash.net inquired with Ogura at Silverstone, to which he responded with a smile, stating, “At this moment, all I can ask is for you to await the official news! There’s nothing more I can disclose at this time.

"If I advance to MotoGP, I'm looking at two possible paths."

Selecting Ogura comes as an unexpected move, as Roberts, his competitor in Moto2, was widely anticipated to secure the Trackhouse motorcycle spot.

This year, Trackhouse's makeover has positioned them as the sole MotoGP team with American support, and Roberts has the chance to be the exclusive US rider in the top tier.

"Neil Hodgson expressed to TNT Sports that he would be extremely surprised if Ogura was selected instead of Roberts."

"If they were seeking a seasoned rider and Miguel Oliveira was on the move, then securing Jack Miller would be a wise choice given his apparent availability."

"He possesses a wealth of expertise, having handled both the Ducati and KTM motorcycles, which could benefit the project. To me, that seems logical."

"However, bringing in a newcomer like Ogura, whom we acknowledge as incredibly skilled, seems an interesting choice. Especially for an American team, aiming to expand the sport's presence in the U.S. under Liberty Media's vision, Roberts appears to be the ideal candidate."

"He possesses remarkable talent. It may have taken him a bit more time to reach his current level, but that's the case for some riders!"

Nonetheless, Sylvain Guintoli speculated that Trackhouse's engagement with Ogura might serve as a strategy to expedite discussions and secure their main target, Roberts.

"Guintoli mentioned, 'The conversations have political implications for Trackhouse as well.'"

"When it's clear which option to take, the team doesn't require additional assistance to incorporate the rider."

"If the team is genuinely contemplating bringing on another racer, perhaps they have various strategies to integrate Roberts into the squad. That could be their objective."

Raul Fernandez has inked a fresh agreement to remain part of Aprilia's affiliate initiative.

Despite assurances from team leader Davide Brivio that retaining his most seasoned rider is a top concern, the fate of Oliveira continues to hang in the balance.

Oliveira is rumored to be associated with Pramac Yamaha, presenting Trackhouse with an option for filling their open bike position.

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