Ai Ogura‘s impressive adaptation to MotoGP, characterized by a remarkable work ethic, has captured the attention of the racing community. Recently, Giovanni Mattarollo, the crew chief of the Japanese Trackhouse MotoGP Team, once again praised Ogura’s unique approach to the sport. He highlighted not just Ogura’s skills on the track but also his personal attributes that make him stand out in the competitive racing environment.
Reflecting on Ogura’s journey, Mattarollo acknowledged the high quality of work Ogura received from his previous crew chief. He remarked, “I must also say that I don’t know the crew chief he had before, but he did something special with him. It’s not just the rider, but also his background, how he worked at the beginning, in the past, and that’s something that now he’s taking advantage of in his performance.” These reflections underscore not only Ogura’s innate talent but also the foundational efforts contributing to his current success.
Mattarollo also gave insight into Ogura’s personality, noting his preference for remaining unnoticed. “If you think back to FP1 in Chang, he was very nervous, very nervous indeed, and his hand was shaking during the session, but he never mentioned it and always had a poker face,” Mattarollo observed. This characteristic, according to Mattarollo, adds an element of mystery to Ogura’s demeanor and performance.
Despite the pressure accompanying his Moto2 world championship status, Ogura remains calm and focused as he prepares for his MotoGP debut in 2025. “You have no idea what he’s thinking or how he’s feeling, he never, ever shows it, and that’s for us because you don’t have to worry about it: it’s just pure work,” Mattarollo concluded. This composed approach suggests Ogura is poised to make a significant impact in the MotoGP world, with his subtle work ethic providing a solid foundation for future achievements.
