April 2024 pre-season testing at the Buriram circuit concluded with an impressive display from Aprilia, as two of its riders topped the timing sheets. Japanese rider Ai Ogura, representing Trackhouse Racing, secured second place just 97 thousandths of a second behind Marco Bezzecchi, who broke the track record. Ogura demonstrated outstanding speed both in single-lap pace and race simulation, signaling a significant improvement in his 2024 MotoGP performance.
Key Improvements Driving Ai Ogura’s Competitiveness
Ogura identified corner entry as a crucial area of advancement compared to last year, explaining,
“The biggest improvement compared to last year is in the corner entry phase, up to the apex. Now I can feel the front tyre more, and I think that’s the most important thing.”
This enhanced feel allows him to ride more aggressively through corners, contributing to consistent race pace among a handful of top riders.
Despite his progress, Ogura remained measured about the competition, stating,
“As for race pace, there were three or four riders who were really fast, and then there were others who did something similar. I’m one of them. So, we’ll see.”
Influence of Buriram Track and Technical Upgrades
Ogura’s strong result at Buriram raised questions about whether the circuit itself favored his riding style or if it reflected the material leap forward he has made. The rider acknowledged the track’s positive impact but emphasized the team’s improvements in detail:
“The track definitely helps because I like it. But even if you have a good feeling with the bike, you can’t go fast if you don’t have the right timing.”
He added,
“The track helps, but we’ve made progress in many areas. One is the corner entry I mentioned earlier, but we’ve improved every little detail. Even between yesterday and today.”
When discussing the aerodynamic modifications tested on the Aprilia RS-GP, Ogura noted little difference between the versions, despite feedback from other riders.
“I don’t feel any difference between the two, even though other riders have said that the stranger one is better. It’s the one I’ve used most of the time, but I don’t feel anything.”
Aprilia Closes the Gap on Ducati’s Dominance
The testing results suggest Aprilia has narrowed the performance gap with Ducati, which dominated the previous season. Ogura commented humorously on Ducati’s speed, saying,
“The bike is really competitive, that’s clear. Marc and Pecco are very fast, as are Morbidelli, Di Giannantonio, Aldeguer, everyone riding a Ducati is very fast, but it can’t be because of the riders.”
He added with a chuckle,
“So, I don’t know. That’s the situation.”
Optimism and Expectations Ahead of the Season Start
Ogura’s result at Buriram raises hopes for his 2024 campaign, as he increases his expectations following the pre-season tests. He revealed,
“If you had asked me about my expectations on Saturday, I would have said Top 10, but today I can say that I expect to finish in the top 6 or 7.”
Regarding his approach to race weekends compared to last year, he said,
“I expect to be calmer and hope to have everything a bit more under control.”
Family Support Adds Calm to the Trackside Environment
Ai Ogura’s father was present at the Trackhouse Racing pit, providing a quiet source of support. Ogura noted with a laugh,
“I hardly spoke to my father during the day, he just enjoyed watching me on the track from one of the service roads: he’s there and he’s enjoying himself. I don’t think it makes any difference to my performance.”
He added humorously,
“Is he as calm as I am? Actually, he’s even calmer!”
Significance for Ai Ogura’s MotoGP Journey
This strong pre-season testing showing marks an important step for Ai Ogura as he transitions from Moto2 World Champion to a serious contender in MotoGP with the Trackhouse Racing and Aprilia collaboration. His improvements in cornering technique, combined with the competitive RS-GP chassis, position him well to challenge established frontrunners like Ducati riders Marc Márquez, Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, and others. With a steady mindset and solid technical foundation, Ogura’s confidence heading into the season now appears more elevated, suggesting his ambitions for top finishes are realistically within reach.
