MotoGP Japan Day 0, Ai Ogura pays tribute to Marco Bezzecchi: "He's the benchmark of the moment, he's fighting for victory"

After having had a rather discreet first half of the season – apart from this fantastic first Grand Prix in Thailand – Ai Ogura has big ambitions for her national round in Japan. The Trackhouse Aprilia team is definitely the quietest on the grid, and it is clear that the gap with the factory RS-GPs is quite significant, especially when we compare the results of the blue and yellow riders with those of Marco Bezzecchi, who is fighting for the top positions in each session.

Modestly, Ai Ogura wants to try to get closer to the Italian. « Of course, what Marco Bezzecchi does on the bike helps the Aprilia riders a lot, I think.He's the benchmark at the moment, he's fighting for victory in most races. So, we just have to try to take that as an advantage. I just want to do my thing on the bike too, so a combination of both of our visions would be perfect » he declared this morning.

 

 

It is worth noting that Ai Ogura missed the practice sessions following the San Marino Grand Prix, as he crashed during the race, sustaining a serious injury. « My fall in Misano was violent, but fortunately I was not seriously injured.. So I hope I do well on the bike this time. I'm fine, well, let's say I'm 90% recovered. » he continued.

This is his first national Grand Prix, something that is not forgotten in a driver's career. « I'm really excited, it's the first home GP on a MotoGP, so I just want to give 100% in front of the Japanese fans and see how it goes.This circuit is one of my favorites on the calendar; in Moto2 I was riding quite well, but this time things are a little different: I'm in a MotoGP and the riders I have to face are much faster. The motorcycle? It performs everywhere » he concluded.

Do you believe in Ai Ogura's home feat in Japan? Tell us in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: MIchelin Motorsport