Japanese MotoGP talent Ai Ogura is heading into the Qatar Grand Prix with renewed motivation, clear focus, and a positive mindset. After a challenging weekend at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), the 23-year-old rider is hoping to bounce back at the Lusail International Circuit—a track that holds some of his best performances in the junior categories.
Ogura, who now rides for the Trackhouse Racing MotoGP team, has openly shared his excitement for the upcoming race, noting the contrast between the physical demands of COTA and the more flowing nature of the Lusail circuit. “For Qatar, my motivation is, of course, really high,” Ogura said. “Compared to the Circuit of the Americas, I think Lusail is a bit softer and easier, let’s say. I just can’t wait to see what we can do and where we are there.”
A Fresh Start in Familiar Territory
The Lusail International Circuit, located on the outskirts of Doha, is one of the more rider-friendly tracks on the MotoGP calendar. Known for its fast straights and sweeping corners, it typically offers good grip and a consistent racing surface—ideal for riders looking to build confidence.
For Ogura, Lusail is more than just another race venue. It’s where he first made waves in the international racing scene. In Moto3, he scored a strong podium finish at Qatar, proving his potential early on. In the Moto2 class, Ogura followed up with two solid fourth-place results, showing remarkable consistency. His previous experiences at Lusail are a major reason why he’s so optimistic heading into this round.
“Lusail has always been a track where I feel comfortable,” Ogura explained. “There’s a certain rhythm to the layout that suits my style. It’s not too aggressive on the body or the bike, which allows me to focus on being smooth and consistent.”
Learning the Ropes in MotoGP
Ogura’s 2024 debut in the premier class came after a long-anticipated climb through the ranks. His journey from Moto3 to MotoGP has been marked by perseverance, precision, and performance. In Moto2, Ogura was a standout contender, even coming within touching distance of the championship title in 2022. Although his momentum was briefly interrupted by injury in 2023, the Tokyo-born rider is now fit, focused, and determined to prove his worth at the highest level.
Transitioning to MotoGP has been no easy feat. The machinery is more powerful, the competition more intense, and the margin for error razor-thin. But Ogura is learning quickly. Under the guidance of the Trackhouse Racing team and with mentorship from seasoned paddock figures, he’s adapting with every session.
Trackhouse Team Director Davide Brivio has praised Ogura’s progress and attitude. “After three races, we’ve seen a lot of potential in Ai. His approach is methodical, and he’s showing the right mindset for improvement. He doesn’t rush, he listens, and he applies feedback quickly. That’s exactly what we need in a rookie.”
Despite a few growing pains, Ogura remains positive and level-headed. “I’m still adjusting to the bike and the format, especially in sprint races,” he said. “But I’m learning a lot, and the team is very supportive. Every time I go out, I feel more comfortable.”
Bounce Back After Austin
The most recent round in Austin, Texas, proved to be one of the more difficult weekends for Ogura. COTA’s notoriously bumpy surface, technical layout, and physical demands posed a serious challenge. Although Ogura put in solid laps during practice and qualifying, he struggled to find consistent race pace.
“It was a tough weekend, no doubt,” he admitted. “But sometimes these weekends are the ones where you learn the most. We gathered a lot of data, and now we can use that to improve in Qatar.”
The mental resilience Ogura displayed in Austin is typical of his approach. Rather than dwell on setbacks, he chooses to focus on progress and learning. That mentality could prove to be one of his greatest strengths as he continues to develop in MotoGP.
Eyes on the Future
Although Ogura is not yet considered a title contender in his rookie season, many in the paddock believe he has the tools to be a future star in the sport. With his calm demeanor, technical feedback, and natural talent, he’s quickly earning the respect of his team and competitors alike.
Asked about his long-term goals, Ogura said: “For now, I just want to keep improving step by step. Of course, every rider dreams of winning the title. That’s always in the back of my mind. But to get there, I need to focus on the present, one race at a time.”
His grounded approach has resonated with fans back home in Japan and across the global MotoGP community. He’s part of a growing wave of Asian riders making their mark on the world stage, helping inspire the next generation of talent.
Qatar GP: A Chance to Shine
As the MotoGP paddock sets up under the lights of Lusail, Ogura is entering the race weekend with a quiet confidence. The smoother surface and more familiar layout could play to his strengths, especially if conditions remain stable.
With his team behind him and momentum building, Qatar offers the perfect opportunity for Ogura to make a statement. A top-ten finish is not out of reach, and if things align, a surprise result could even be on the cards.
For fans and followers of MotoGP, Ai Ogura is definitely a rider to watch. His technical precision, strategic thinking, and never-give-up attitude make him one of the most intriguing rookies on the grid. And as he prepares to line up at Lusail, one thing is clear: Ai Ogura is ready to race—and he’s racing with heart.
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