Ai Ogura, the reigning Moto2 world champion turned MotoGP sensation, has rapidly become one of the most sought-after talents in the paddock, drawing intense interest from rival teams as his contract with Trackhouse Racing nears its end in 2026. After an impressive debut season with the Aprilia satellite team, Ogura’s sharp performances have tipped him as a rising star and a hot property, leaving team managers and experts eager to secure his signature well before the new technical regulations take effect.
Davide Brivio, the Trackhouse MotoGP team director known for his exceptional ability to identify emerging talent, played a crucial role in Ogura’s unexpected signing. Brivio’s track record includes managing Yamaha’s golden era with legends like Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, leading Suzuki to a world title in 2020, and transitioning to Alpine’s Formula 1 sporting director role. His decision to back Ogura instead of the expected American candidate Joe Roberts underlines his keen eye and strategic thinking in nurturing a winner.
Ogura’s impact was immediate; he finished fifth in his very first MotoGP race in Thailand, outperforming established riders and earning widespread praise. Through the first five rounds of the season, he consistently placed within the top ten, standing eighth in the championship standings—a remarkable contrast to his teammate Raul Fernandez, whose best finish to date is 12th, leaving him last in the rankings.
Brivio openly acknowledged his surprise at Ogura’s rapid development, noting,
Honestly, I believed Ai could do well; that’s why we signed him. But even we’ve been surprised.
He also pointed out the difference between Ogura and Fernandez, saying,
We thought Raul, being in his fourth MotoGP season, would be our benchmark, but that hasn’t been the case so far.
The director highlighted Ogura’s focused mindset:
Ai is a guy who listens a lot, learns quickly, and knows what he wants — he doesn’t waste time on things that don’t matter.
With Ogura’s contract running through 2026, Brivio is already preparing for potential offers from factory teams eager to snap up the Japanese rider once his current deal expires.
For 2027, it’s clear that some factory team will come after him. But we’ll have to see what options arise then,
he remarked. The contract includes a buyout clause, ensuring any interested team must negotiate carefully to bring Ogura onboard before its conclusion.
Both Ogura and Fernandez remain under Trackhouse contracts without Aprilia’s financial involvement, emphasizing the independent direction of their careers within the satellite outfit. Motorsport.com reports that while Trackhouse has high hopes for Fernandez, his continuation with the team hinges on improved performances in the coming months, underscoring the ongoing pressure in MotoGP to deliver consistent results.
Ai Ogura’s swift ascent and consistent results mark him as a resilient and promising figure who is reshaping expectations in MotoGP. His focused approach and natural talent have not only rejuvenated a struggling satellite team but have also set the stage for intense competition as top-tier teams vie for dominance in the upcoming 2027 season. Observers and fans now watch closely, anxious to see how far this rising star can climb in one of motorsport’s most challenging arenas.
