Ai Ogura, the promising newcomer in the MotoGP arena, is gaining attention for his distinctive approach, focusing first on personal skill enhancement before considering bike adjustments. Competing under the Japanese Trackhouse MotoGP Team, Ogura’s methodical and introspective strategy signifies an unusual maturity for a rider in their debut season.
Giovanni Mattarollo, Ogura’s crew chief, revealed insights into the approach that sets the Japanese rider apart: “First he thinks about how he can improve himself, in his riding performance and after that he starts talking about the bike, but before that he works on himself, without spending too much time looking at the data, thinking about what he has done or what he can do.” This philosophy marks a stark contrast with many riders who quickly attribute challenges to their motorcycles rather than their own technique.
Ogura’s focus on self-improvement demonstrates an exceptional level of maturity and responsibility for a MotoGP newcomer. At the end of each session, a streamlined debrief follows: they discuss the session briefly before diving into data analysis. As Mattarollo describes, “We sit down and in a few words we talk about what happened in the session and after that we look at the data, compare it with that of the other Aprilia riders to help him understand how to improve and that’s it.” This efficient process highlights an objective mindset dedicated to progress.
Ai Ogura’s commitment to personal growth before mechanical enhancements embodies a culture of continuous development. By prioritizing self-responsibility, he sets a unique example for his peers and shows a promising future in the fiercely competitive world of MotoGP, potentially reshaping conventional mindsets. The impact of his approach could influence not only his career but also pave the way for others to follow in mastering both self and machine.
