Ai Ogura delivered a remarkable performance during the MotoGP pre-season test in Buriram, Thailand, finishing second in the combined standings and showcasing tremendous promise as the 2026 season draws near. Representing Trackhouse Racing on an Aprilia RS-GP26, Ogura’s strong showing came just days before he competes in his second Thailand Grand Prix, where he previously earned a notable fifth-place finish.
Focused Efforts and Technical Refinements Mark First Testing Day
From the onset of the test, Ogura dedicated himself to refining his bike’s setup and experimenting with new parts supplied by Aprilia. Despite a minor crash at Turn 1, he completed 71 laps focused on evaluating electronic settings and aerodynamic features, demonstrating a disciplined approach to improving his performance. By the day’s end, Ogura ranked 15th, less than a second behind the quickest riders, underlining his competitive pace.
I feel good. We managed to accomplish everything we planned before the test began. Everything was under control, except for the fall, so it was a good first day. Tomorrow, we will aim for more pure performance since today we couldn’t be satisfied with our times.
?Ai Ogura, Rider
Giovanni Mattarollo, Ogura’s Crew Chief, highlighted the importance of the day’s work toward establishing a solid base for further performance gains.
Today, we tested new components and electronic strategies to establish a base that allows us to focus on performance tomorrow,
he said.
Ai provided us with very valuable feedback, and we will now concentrate on areas of improvement.
?Giovanni Mattarollo, Crew Chief
Key Adjustments and Race Preparation on the Final Day
The second day of testing was critical for finalizing aero fairings and optimizing the bike for qualifying and race conditions. Teams had to decide on their aerodynamic packages since changes are limited during the season. Ogura and his team concentrated on improving seating ergonomics and tested configurations for short laps as well as conducting long runs to simulate race durability.
Ogura closed the test in an impressive second place overall, confirming significant progress since the first day and building confidence ahead of the upcoming race weekend in Thailand. He noted a clear improvement in braking performance, especially in straight-line sections, a crucial advantage on the demanding Buriram circuit.
I think it was a good test, and after today, we can be satisfied with the times. We did some long runs, and the pace was decent. I believe we’re ready for the first race. Let’s see what the race weekend holds, as conditions might be slightly different, but overall we’re happy with the test,
Ogura shared with optimism.
Mattarollo added perspective on the test’s wider purpose:
Today’s goal was to confirm our base for the season and refine our performance, verifying some parts and settings previously tested. We’re satisfied because this test was not just about lap times but also about our approach, track performance, and feedback loops that have guided our direction.
?Giovanni Mattarollo, Crew Chief
Ogura Builds Momentum and Sets Realistic Goals for the Season
Over two intense days, Ogura completed a total of 142 laps, making important advancements in corner entries and overall bike handling. Despite his optimism, he remains measured in expectations, aiming for a solid sixth or seventh place finish in the upcoming race, showing maturity in balancing ambition with realism.
With motorsport experts, fans, and the wider MotoGP community closely watching, Ai Ogura’s performance at the Thailand test raises hopes for a breakthrough 2026. His progress signals a rising contender ready to challenge established riders and push Aprilia’s competitiveness further in the championship.
As the season opener approaches, all eyes will be on Ogura to see if he can build on this encouraging foundation and deliver consistent results. The Thailand Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling test of his talents and a potential highlight in his burgeoning MotoGP career.
