As the MotoGP paddock buzzes with speculation surrounding an explosive divorce between Jorge Martin and Aprilia, one of the few remaining perfectly calm in the face of the media storm is Ai Ogura. The Japanese rookie from the TrackHouse team doesn't seem concerned by the parent team's contractual turmoil.
Asked about a possible promotion at Aprilia Racing in the event of the world champion leaving, Ogura replied with a disarming burst of laughter: " Me? I don't think so. I'm not the right person to ask that question, I don't care. »
À 24 years old, the former Moto2 world champion is impressing in his first season in the premier class. Currently tenth in the general classification, he is — remarkably — the best representative ofAprilia in the championship. However, the Japanese remains focused on his own trajectory, without trying to force destiny.
« If that happens, I would be happy " he confides about a possible future in a factory team. But for now, I'm very happy at Trackhouse. »
Ai Ogura: “ the Aprilia is, in fact, still good »
A simple happiness, which the pilot fully assumes. Ogura has a two-year contract with the American team TrackHouse, without direct link with Aprilia, which places it in a relatively independent position, but also perhaps a little on the fringes of the current games of influence.
As for its technical adaptation, it is done without fanfare. I think so " he replies soberly when asked about the support received from TrackHouse andAprilia. Before qualifying: “ I haven't asked many questions about the bike so far. The bike is actually still good " he says, as if to remind us that his priority remains his own piloting.
Far from the noise, Ai Ogura traces its route in MotoGP — humble, efficient, and perhaps much more ambitious than he lets on. It will be recalled that the Japanese was forced to give up Silverstone tests after persistent pain in his right knee following a fall in the morning. The medical staff remains mobilized to allow Ogura to return to the track on Saturday in the best possible conditions. The rest of his weekend will now depend on the evolution of his physical condition in the next few hours.
