After two weekends away, Ai Ogura is finally back. The young Japanese rider from the TrackHouse Aprilia team returns to the MotoGP grid this weekend at Phillip Island, determined to score more points and put an end to a right hand injury sustained at Misano.
Injured since the Misano Grand Prix, Ogura had attempted to participate in his national race in Motegi, before withdrawing on Sunday morning. He then skipped Mandalika to fully heal his hand.
« I'm fine, everything's fine " he assured Thursday after the medical examination. " My hand is now close to 100%, so it should be fine for all sessions. »
Ogura recognizes that the choice not to run to the Japan was painful: " In Motegi, I was at 70%, but my hand got worse after that. In Mandalika, it was the same. I didn't want to go through that again. So I preferred to give up to get back to 100%. »
A difficult decision, especially in front of his home crowd: “ I think I could have finished the race, but not at my level. Riding to finish last made no sense. »
A cautious convalescence for Ai Ogura: “ I preferred to concentrate on cycling »
During his recovery, Ogura put aside the motorcycle to concentrate on the bike, in order to preserve his hand.
« Before Motegi, I tried to ride, but it wasn't a good idea. This time, I preferred to focus on cycling. »
Before his injury, the 2024 Moto2 World Champion had enjoyed a promising start to his premier-class debut. Despite currently sitting 17th in the championship (70 points), he had consistently finished in the top 10 during the first half of the season.
But the fight for the Rookie of the Year title now seems out of reach: Fermin Aldeguer has 181 points after his victory at Mandalika.
Ogura remains focused on his progress: “ Phillip Island is a special place for me. I finished fourth in Moto2 there last year. I hope to get back to feeling good and show what I'm capable of. »
With three rounds left in the season, Ai Ogura wants above all to rediscover the pleasure of driving and calmly prepare for his second year in MotoGPThe Japanese remains one of the most watched young talents in the paddock, and his return to form could well revive the momentum of a rookie with undiminished potential.
