P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ai Ogura scored a maiden podium in the French Grand Prix for Trackhouse Aprilia
Aprilia’s historic 1-2-3 at the MotoGP French Grand Prix was completed by Ai Ogura, who achieved his first podium and ended Japan’s 14-year podium drought.
Trackhouse caused a sensation in 2024 by signing Ai Ogura to a two-year deal, a decision that paid off as Ogura won the Moto2 title that season and secured a top five finish in his MotoGP debut in 2025.
At the recent French Grand Prix, Ogura started on the third row but managed to climb up to a podium position late in the race.
Ogura’s podium marked the end of Japan’s long absence from the MotoGP podium, with Katsuyuki Nakasuga being the last Japanese rider to achieve a podium before him in 2012.
Ogura’s success also signifies a breakthrough for MotoGP Sports Entertainment, as he is the first rider from the Asia Talent Cup to secure a MotoGP podium.
