Ai Ogura signs with Trackhouse Racing for 2025 and 2026, replacing Miguel Oliveira
Ai Ogura has been promoted from Moto2, signing with Trackhouse Racing for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The Japanese rider replaces Miguel Oliveira.
This announcement comes as Ogura has impressed many people in the MotoGP paddock. The Japanese rider will be promoted from Moto2, and will be the first rider ever to be promoted to MotoGP, after riding in the Asia Talent Cup.
Ogura is currently in the fight to win the 2024 Moto2 championship, running second in the championship at the time of this announcement and just 18 points down on the championship leader, Sergio Garcia.
Ogura has had a strong career so far, despite not quite winning a championship, the 23-year old finished third in the 2020 Moto3 championship, and took a runners-up spot in the 2022 Moto2 title.
Trackhouse Racing currently uses the Aprilia machine, a motorcycle which has been proven as one of the most formidable bikes on the grid, occasionally battling with the Ducati’s on some circuits. Ogura will likely have to adapt relatively quickly to the Aprilia’s corner turning speed and the fast but smooth nature of the bike.
His teammate, will be Raul Fernandez going into next season. Fernandez has had a somewhat difficult, but impressive season so far, even leading the MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix at Catalunya for a while, before a heartbreaking crash at Turn 10’s difficult slow, left-hander hairpin.
Ogura also replaces Portuguese rider, Miguel Oliveira. Oliveira has had a really difficult couple of seasons after leaving KTM at the end of 2022 for RNF Aprilia at the time, which then became Trackhouse Racing.
Oliveira scored five Grand Prix victories in the premier class with KTM, however has struggled significantly to perform similarly aboard an Aprilia. Trackhouse Racing has said that “it is a pity to part ways” with Oliveira, who has worked relatively well within the team as the Aprilia manufacturer attempts to fight at the front of the field.
Ogura said in a press release: “First, I would like to say thanks to all the people who are part of this project and everybody who supported me. 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 Trackhouse Racing MotoGP Team.”
MotoGP is slowly taking its’ final shape in preparations for the 2025 season, with Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira now notable free agents.
The next MotoGP round comes this weekend, the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring.
Featured Image: Trackhouse Aprilia Racing
