P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ai Ogura arriving in MotoGP on an Aprilia wasn’t in the script his long-time backer Honda had set out for him
Ai Ogura’s performance at the Thai Grand Prix marked an outstanding MotoGP debut, earning him two top-five finishes. Prior to this success, Ogura had the opportunity to follow Honda’s planned MotoGP path, which he declined. Honda played a significant role in Ogura’s career development, from the Asia Talent Cup to Moto2, grooming him for a potential MotoGP seat at LCR Honda. Despite pressure to replace Taka Nakagami in 2022, Ogura opted to join MTA Moto2 instead, leading to his eventual Moto2 title victory in 2024. Despite his defection, Honda remained a personal sponsor for Ogura, showcasing the mutual respect between the two parties. Ogura’s decision to join Trackhouse Aprilia for MotoGP was motivated by a strategic evaluation of the teams and bike strengths, ultimately leading to a promising MotoGP career.
