Trackhouse Aprilia rookie Ai Ogura is optimistic about returning to competition at the upcoming MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix after undergoing successful surgery on a fractured leg. The 21-year-old Japanese rider suffered the injury following a crash during Free Practice 1 at last weekend’s British Grand Prix in Silverstone.
Ogura’s crash and injury details at Silverstone
Ogura’s accident occurred early in the Silverstone weekend, when he fractured the top of his right tibia. After completing just one lap during Friday’s practice session, concerns about his condition led to him withdrawing from the remainder of the event. Medical assessments revealed the full severity of the injury, prompting the decision for surgical intervention.
Successful surgery and recovery outlook
On Wednesday evening, Trackhouse Aprilia confirmed that Ogura had undergone surgery on his right leg, which was reported successful. Following the operation, Ogura expressed cautious optimism regarding his recovery timeline, emphasizing the importance of regaining full fitness.
“The surgery is done,” Ogura stated.
“I think everything went quite well and I feel pretty OK with my knee. I just need a bit of time to get back to 100% fitness.”
“It’s quite difficult and we will see if I can make it to Aragon. I’m trying to do what I can to recover my leg but, in situations like these, you can’t do too much. I will just do what I can and prepare for the next race.”
—Ai Ogura, MotoGP Rider
Season performance and championship standing
Ogura has delivered a promising rookie campaign on the satellite Aprilia team, highlighted by a fifth-place finish in the opening round held in Thailand. He established himself as Aprilia’s top rider through various rounds of the season, although a recent slip in form has seen him drop to 12th in the championship standings. Currently, he holds 43 points, trailing by 13 points behind rookie leader Fermin Aldeguer, who sits 10th overall.
Implications for Trackhouse Aprilia team ahead of Aragon
If Ogura is unable to compete at Aragon due to recovery delays, Trackhouse Aprilia would face challenges in fielding a replacement. The team’s test rider, Lorenzo Savadori, is presently deputizing at the factory Aprilia squad for the injured Jorge Martin, limiting immediate substitution options. This situation could complicate team dynamics and rider availability during the critical stages of the championship.
Ogura’s potential return at the Aragon Grand Prix carries significance not only for his personal progress but also for the team’s competitiveness in the remaining races of the season. His experience and prior results have made him a valuable asset to Trackhouse Aprilia, and his recovery timeline will be closely monitored ahead of next weekend’s race.
