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Impressive Debut for Ai Ogura at Thailand Grand Prix
Marc Marquez may have claimed victory at the Thailand Grand Prix, but the standout performance came from Ai Ogura, a rookie riding for Trackhouse Aprilia. His fifth-place finish not only marks a significant achievement for the 24-year-old Japanese rider but also sets a new benchmark for debutantes in MotoGP, recalling the days when Marquez secured a podium finish in his first race in 2013.
Ogura’s achievement is noteworthy, particularly as he outperformed other promising newcomers. For context, Pedro Acosta, regarded as one of the top riders to transition to the premier class in recent years, could only manage a ninth-place finish during his first outing last season.
What elevated Ogura’s debut beyond a single impressive result was his consistent performance throughout the weekend. He demonstrated remarkable skill by securing a fifth-place start on the grid after an outstanding qualifying lap that left him just 0.35 seconds shy of pole position. During the sprint race, he maneuvered past Pramac’s Jack Miller right off the line and finished in an impressive fourth place—an exceptional result for a rookie.
On race day, Ogura swiftly overtook Miller again, initially holding the fourth position. However, he ultimately couldn’t maintain his hold against Franco Morbidelli’s Ducati and settled for fifth. Notably, his fastest lap, clocked at 1m30.942s, was merely three-tenths off Marquez’s best time aboard the factory Ducati. His pace remained strong throughout the race, with laps under 1m31s until the final stages, while Morbidelli’s performance began to slip into the 1m32s range later in the race.
Acknowledging his impressive debut, Ogura expressed his surprise at both his speed and adaptability during the race weekend. He credited much of his early success to the lessons learned by shadowing Francesco Bagnaia during the sprint race, describing the experience as invaluable.
“It’s a big, big surprise,” Ogura said, reflecting on his sprint performance. “I was trying just to emulate what he was doing. Being behind Pecco for those laps was really educational for me. I learned the importance of being smooth.”
He added, “In those high-temperature conditions, I felt I had an advantage. For other riders, it can be quite challenging, but for me, it’s manageable.” Ogura acknowledged that tire management posed its own challenges but reiterated the benefits of following Bagnaia’s riding style in both the sprint and main race.
Ogura had previously shown promise during pre-season testing, establishing a solid connection with his Aprilia machine. On the final day of testing, he showcased his one-lap speed, achieving the seventh-fastest time, as well as demonstrating competitive long-run pace.
His performance in Thailand has redefined expectations for the season, particularly given that Marco Bezzecchi, Ogura’s more seasoned teammate, had initially been positioned as the primary indicator of Aprilia’s early season capabilities. Bezzecchi, acknowledging Ogura’s talent, remarked, “I knew he could be really fast. His fourth position in the sprint race is no small feat.”
After the main race, Bezzecchi further praised Ogura, noting their similar riding styles and precision, underscoring the competitive environment within their team.
Implications for Aprilia and Future Challenges
Ogura’s success not only boosts his confidence but also signifies a major step forward for Aprilia. Historically, the RS-GP has faced challenges on certain circuits, yet Ogura’s performance indicates that the brand could vie for a top position among manufacturers in MotoGP this year. This places additional pressure on Jorge Martin, the reigning champion recovering from injuries, who will return to a team that now possesses a remarkable newcomer.
Interestingly, Ogura’s remarkable start could raise eyebrows within the team, particularly for Raul Fernandez, who has yet to see similar success despite having more experience. Such competition could encourage Fernandez to elevate his performance to meet team expectations, especially after receiving a renewed two-year contract last season.
Ultimately, Ogura’s decision to pursue opportunities with Trackhouse over LCR Honda—despite the latter being a more familiar setting—has demonstrated his confidence in his abilities and ambition. His victory in the Moto2 championship with MT Helmets – MSI served as a springboard to elevate his career, and he has now firmly established his place in MotoGP, proving that he has the talent to succeed at the highest level.
Source
www.autosport.com