What a day for Ai Ogura (and Trackhouse Racing)! The American team has just officially announced Francesco Guidotti as team manager, and the Japanese rider is already making them happy. Since the start of the season, Ai Ogura's consistency has allowed him to climb very high in the overall standings. With his conservative style, he generally starts rather cautiously and comes roaring back at the end. This was again the case in Hungary, where he finished fourth in the Grand Prix – he was riding the only Aprilia that survived the start. He looks well-positioned for this Czech GP.
It's quite rare to see him shine on a single lap, but today it was crazy. Ai Ogura, at the end of a session marked by laps faster than the last, set the best time in 1'51''735, while the previous track record, held by Bagnaia, was 1'52''303. « It was a very good session, but pole position will only be awarded on Saturday.Furthermore, I didn't do anything different compared to the last few race weekends. I need a little more time to understand what I did differently or better. My laps were far from perfect. I'm losing time, especially in the second sector – my chief mechanic has already told me that. » he declared to our microphones.
A special Friday for @aiogura79 👏
P1 and a new all-time #MotoGP lap record 😎#CzechGP 🇨🇿 pic.twitter.com/IOvWa2p561
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) June 19, 2026
Ai Ogura is a specialist in extreme heat. He had already distinguished himself in similar climatic conditions for his very first appearance in MotoGP, during the 2025 Thai Grand Prix. "The intense heat suits me perfectly. The fact that it's significantly warmer in the afternoon has certainly helped." he added.
Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Starting from a better grid position, Ai Ogura can definitely be among the favorites, without a doubt. From two-thirds of the way through the races, his pace is generally far superior to all the other drivers. If he manages to perfect his sometimes messy overtaking maneuvers (Pedro Acosta will not disagree with us), the Japanese player can move into another dimension.
Do you see Ai Ogura becoming the next new winner in MotoGP? Tell us in the comments!
Results of the Practice session at the 2026 Czech MotoGP Grand Prix:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
