Japanese rider Ai Ogura is poised to make his return to MotoGP at the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello after missing two rounds due to injury. The Trackhouse MotoGP Team is hopeful as Ogura awaits the final medical approval on Thursday, aiming to restart his rookie season and regain his competitive edge.
Recovery and Physical Condition Improving After Crash
Ogura shared that his leg is feeling much better, allowing him to ride and race again soon. Despite the relatively short time away since his crash at Silverstone, he recognizes the challenge of missing both a race and a test, which will require him to rebuild confidence during the initial sessions of the race weekend.
“First of all, I feel a lot better with my leg now – I start to feel I can ride a bike and I can race, so, I think, my physical condition is going in a good direction,”
Ogura explained.
Returning to One of MotoGP’s Toughest Tracks
Mugello holds positive memories for Ogura, as he secured a Moto2 podium there in 2022. Known for its technical difficulty, the circuit will serve as the stage where Ogura hopes to regain his rhythm and confidence. He looks forward to passing the medical check and getting back on track to rebuild his season from scratch.
“That’s part of the game and I hope I pass through the medical check on Thursday. If everything is ok, I can’t wait to be on my bike again and start to build up everything from the beginning,”
he said.
A Strong Desire to Rejoin the Team and Race
Ogura expressed eagerness to reconnect with his team and resume full competition, emphasizing his readiness to race following his recovery period. The break has heightened his determination to get back to work and find momentum in MotoGP’s premier class.
“I’m impatient to get back on the bike and work with my team, I need racing now and I’m happy to get going,”
he stated.
The Importance of Mugello in Ogura’s Return
Mugello is widely regarded as one of the most demanding and historic circuits in the MotoGP calendar. For Ogura, it is not only a chance to contest a challenging track but also an opportunity to show progress after his injury. His performance this weekend will indicate how well he has adapted post-crash and provide insight into his potential trajectory in the rookie season ahead.
