Official: Ai Ogura Secures MotoGP Move With Trackhouse Racing

Another piece to the MotoGP rider market puzzle has been confirmed as Ai Ogura will move up to the premier class with Aprilia’s Trackhouse Racing team, not Honda. Due to his nationality, but more than that, his ties with Honda and the Idemitsu sponsor, Ogura was always seen as a sure-fire bet to slide in at LCR once Takaaki Nakagami left the team.

But that has not materialised, and given Honda’s recent form when it comes to racing, can you blame Ogura for having previously declined a move up to MotoGP with Honda? Rejecting a MotoGP team as a Moto2 rider is certainly a bold move, and one that could backfire tremendously.

But because of Ogura’s form in 2024, saying no to Honda actually appears to have worked in his favour as the Japanese rider has now landed a very competitive Aprilia ride. Lining up alongside Raul Fernandez - the only rider with any Aprilia experience heading into 2025, Ogura has signed a two-year deal like Fernandez did a few weeks ago.

“First, I would like to say thanks to all the people who are part of this project and everybody who supported me,” said Ogura. “Of course, this is the dream! The final step to take.

“MotoGP is the maximum level you can have, so I’m obviously really happy to make it there. I’m very happy to be able to race in the top class and I can’t wait to do it together with the Trackhouse Racing MotoGP Team. I can see that the team is really competitive and the bike is very strong and as a rider my job is doing what I can with everything I have.

“It’s always the same mentality but I’m very happy to be part of Trackhouse and make this step up to MotoGP with them - I’m just looking forward to starting in 2025. Now I have to think about the Moto2 World Championship. I’ll try to finish this year the best way I can and arrive well prepared in 2025. Thank you everybody and see you next year!”

With Ogura confirmed at Trackhouse Racing, open seats remain at Pramac Yamaha, VR46 Ducati and Gresini Racing, although many of those are expected to be filled very soon.

Team Owner Justin Marks added: “We’re excited to welcome to the house a young and very promising talent in Ai Ogura.  He has demonstrated his preparation and commitment to winning in Moto2 and is ready for the step up to the MotoGP class.

“We’re looking forward to working with him and supporting him as he learns the Aprilia bike and the incredible competition at the top level of international motorcycle racing. Trackhouse Racing MotoGP was created to serve as the global expansion initiative of the Trackhouse brand.  It’s truly exciting that we now have an athlete roster across our teams that represents Mexico, USA, Spain, New Zealand, and now Japan.”

Ogura’s promotion to MotoGP with Trackhouse Racing sees him replace Miguel Oliveira, who is expected to join the new Pramac Yamaha outfit.

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