TrackHouse Racing star Ai Ogura faces a daunting challenge: returning to the Italian Grand Prix after a series of injuries that disrupted his rookie season. The 24-year-old Japanese, a true sensation on the grid, is at a turning point. Between medical uncertainties and a legendary replacement ready to pounce, Mugello promises to be explosive: Danilo Petrucci!
The Japanese pilot Ai Ogura, who is making his promising MotoGP debut this season with the team TrackHouse Aprilia, could be forced to miss a third consecutive race this weekend at Mugello, due to a persistent shin injury.
Ogura, 24, has impressed since his arrival in the premier class. Apart from a disqualification in Argentina for using unapproved ECU software, he scored points at every Grand Prix. However, during the British GP, a fractured tibia suffered during the trials forced him to withdraw. Successfully operated on, he was also deemed unfit for the following round at Aragon.
While his return is considered for the Italian GP, Ogura still has to undergo medical examinations to receive approval from doctors. Faced with uncertainty, TrackHouse Racing worked hard to avoid being left with just one bike on the grid like in the last two rounds (where only Raul Fernandez started).
An unprecedented return for Danilo Petrucci?
According to Motorsport Italia, the team principal, Davide Brivio, contacted Danilo Petrucci to take over in the event of a forfeitOgura.
The former Ducati MotoGP rider, currently competing in World Superbike with Ducati, had not been able to carry out the tests for TrackHouse in Aragon for logistical reasons. The team then tested Manu Gonzalez, current leader of the Moto2 championship, giving him a first glimpse of the RS-GP25.
More Petrucci remains the priority option. He has already prepared a combination in the colors of TrackHouse and received authorization from the WSBK to participate in Italian Grand Prix if necessary.
« We are aware that the regulations require us to field a second driver if Ogura is out. ", has recalled Brivio. One Ai Ogura is declared unfit once again, Danilo Petrucci will ride the RS-GP25 from FP1 on Friday morning. A final decision is expected on Thursday, after the Japanese driver's medical.
