TrackhouseMotoGPrider Ai Ogura is aiming to blend his riding style with the strengths of Marco Bezzecchi to create an ideal partnership on the Aprilia RS-GP bike. As the season progresses, Ogura seeks to build on the promising “Ogura Bezzecchi Aprilia combination” to improve his performance in MotoGP.
Ogura began the season as Aprilia’s standout newcomer, showcasing strong results such as top-10 finishes in Thailand and Argentina, even though a technical disqualification marred his effort at Termas. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi faced a challenging adaptation period after switching from Ducati to Aprilia Racing but has since shown remarkable progress. Bezzecchi has claimed five podium finishes in the last seven races, a Sprint victory at Misano, and won the British Grand Prix at the end of May, establishing himself as the team’s leading rider.
Reflecting on Bezzecchi’s influence, Ogura said at the Japanese MotoGP pre-event press conference,
“For sure, what Marco’s [Bezzecchi] doing on the bike helps a lot for the Aprilia riders, I think,”
highlighting the value Bezzecchi brings to the squad. He added,
“He’s the reference at the moment – he’s fighting for the victory in most of the races. So, just try to take the good parts from him and take that thing as an advantage.”
Ogura further expressed his desire to merge their approaches:
“I just want to do my thing on the bike, as well, so a combination would be perfect.”
This approach shows Ogura’s thoughtful and optimistic outlook as he continues adjusting to the premier class’s challenges.
Ogura heads into the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi after missing the post-race test in Misano due to a heavy crash at the San Marino Grand Prix. Regarding his condition, he reassured fans, saying, “First of all, I’m okay,” and estimates he is at 90 [per cent], let’s say. He explained,
Image of: MotoGP
“The crash I had in Misano was a massive one, but luckily there was [no] serious injury for me. So, hopefully I’ll be okay on the bike this time.”
The Motegi race marks Ogura’s debut in the premier class on home soil, an event he eagerly anticipates. He shared,
“For sure I’m excited, it’s the first home GP on a MotoGP bike, so I just want to give my 100 per cent in front of the Japanese fans and see how it goes.”
Despite the pressure, he added calmly,
“But, I think it’s quite okay.”
Motegi is one of Ogura’s favorite tracks, having performed well there in Moto2. Still, he acknowledges the new difficulty level with MotoGP competition, saying,
“This circuit is one of my favourite circuits on the calendar; on the Moto2 bike I was riding quite well, but this time the things are a bit different: I’m on a MotoGP and the riders I have to face are a lot faster this time.”
He remains determined to enjoy the challenge:
“So, we’ll see. But I just want to enjoy to ride this circuit; and the bike works good in all the circuits.”
His reflective and hopeful tone underscores a commitment to adapt and find success as part of the Aprilia Racing team alongside Bezzecchi.
Ogura’s efforts to integrate the strengths of his teammate while maintaining his own distinct style could shape how Aprilia evolves in this competitive MotoGP season. With Bezzecchi leading the way and Ogura learning and improving, the “Ogura Bezzecchi Aprilia combination” may become a key factor in the team’s future results.
