The Mandalika paddock will be without another rider this weekend. Japanese rookie Ai Ogura (TrackHouse Aprilia) has officially withdrawn from the Indonesian Grand Prix, suffering from persistent pain in his right hand after his heavy crash at the Misano Grand Prix.
This absence comes in addition to the already confirmed absence of George Martin, still recovering from his broken collarbone in Japan. Result: Aprilia will only field two machines at Mandalika, a rare situation for the Italian brand.
At the Misano Grand Prix, Ai Ogura had experienced a monumental fright by falling to more than 260 km/h with his RS-GP. Despite the intensity of the accident, the rookie escaped without any fractures, but with severe bruises, a sprain and swelling of the wrist, fingers and heel.
The Japanese had nevertheless tried to get back on the handlebars: present on Friday for the free practice at Misano, he had put in a good performance in qualifying before finishing 9th in the sprint race on Saturday. But the pain had finally forced him to abandon Sunday's Grand Prix.
Returning to Japan for treatment, Ogura hoped to be restored for Indonesia. The team TrackHouse had planned to make the final decision there, but the verdict was in: he will not be able to fly safely in Mandalika.
"Despite examination and treatment in Japan, it was decided that due to his health condition, he cannot drive his RS-GP25 safely ", TrackHouse announced in a statement.
Ai Ogura hopes for Phillip Island return
Ogura, who has already missed the Motegi Grand Prix — his home race — sees his first MotoGP season compromised by this series of injuries. The rider of 24 years old will continue his convalescence at Japan with the aim of returning to Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, expected from 17 19 in October.
Despite his absence, Ogura wanted to participate in a highlight for his team: the unveiling of the new Gulf liveries of the Aprilia TrackHouse, chosen by the fans for the Mandalika and Sepang races. A gesture appreciated by the fans, but which highlights the driver's frustration at missing two major events of the Asian season.
With Ogura et Martin packages, Aprilia will only have two bikes on the Indonesian grid, a definite disadvantage as Ducati continues to dominate the championship MotoGP thanks to Marc Marquez, already crowned 2025 world champion in Japan, and that KTM push to get back on the podium.
For TrackHouse, it's a hard blow: Ogura was one of the most anticipated rookies this season and had shown real potential to adapt. His progress has now been halted by this persistent injury.
After George Martin, it is therefore Ai Ogura who renounces Mandalika. Aprilia arrives weakened in Indonesia, with only two drivers to defend its colors. A complicated context for the Italian brand which sees its momentum slowed in the middle of the Asian tour, while KTM intends to take advantage of it.
