Ai Ogura Bio
Early Life and Background
Ai Ogura was born on 26 January 2001 in Kiyose, Tokyo, Japan. Growing up in a racing family, he was introduced to motorcycles at a young age, riding a pocketbike for the first time at the age of three. By the time he was four, he was already participating in races, and he transitioned to mini-bikes at the age of nine, laying the foundation for his future career in motorcycle racing.
Path to MotoGP
Ogura’s journey in motorcycle racing began in earnest when he was selected for the Asia Talent Cup in 2015 at the age of 14. He clinched a win and three podiums in that season, showcasing his potential. He continued to develop his skills in various competitions, including the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the FIM CEV Moto3 Junior World Championship, where he achieved notable success, including multiple podium finishes.
Ai Ogura Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Ogura made his Moto3 World Championship debut as a wildcard during the 2018 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix, finishing 15th and scoring his first championship point. He signed with Honda Team Asia for the 2019 Moto3 season, where he scored points in fourteen out of nineteen races, ultimately finishing 10th in the standings. In the 2020 season, he continued with Honda Team Asia, achieving seven podiums and finishing third in the championship with 170 points.
Moto2 World Championship Breakthrough (2021–2024)
In 2021, Ogura moved up to the Moto2 category, riding for Idemitsu Honda Team Asia. His rookie season was marked by consistent top-10 finishes, culminating in a second-place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix. In 2022, he fought for the Moto2 title, earning his first World Championship win in Jerez and finishing as the runner-up with 242 points. Ogura’s 2023 season was impacted by a wrist injury, but he returned strong, finishing 9th in the standings.
In 2024, Ogura joined MT Helmets – MSi and had a stellar season, winning the Moto2 World Championship with a total of three wins and eight podiums. His championship victory made him the first Japanese rider to win a world championship in fifteen years.
Trackhouse MotoGP Team Era (2025–Present)
In August 2024, it was announced that Ogura would be promoted to the MotoGP class with Trackhouse MotoGP Team for the 2025 season. He made an impressive debut at the Thai Grand Prix, finishing fourth in the Sprint race and fifth in the main event. Despite facing challenges, including a disqualification in Argentina, Ogura’s performance has shown promise as he adapts to the top tier of motorcycle racing.
Motorcycle Racer Style and Strengths
Ogura is known for his aggressive riding style and strong racecraft, which have allowed him to excel in various racing conditions. His ability to maintain consistent performance under pressure has been a key factor in his success throughout his career.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Ogura’s career is highlighted by his championship win in the 2024 Moto2 season and his status as the first graduate from the Asia Talent Cup to reach MotoGP. His journey from pocketbike racing to world champion exemplifies his dedication and talent in the sport.
Ai Ogura Career Wins
Ai Ogura has achieved significant success in his racing career, particularly in the Moto2 category, where he secured six wins and numerous podium finishes.
Current MotoGP Series Highlights
As of the 2025 season, Ogura has made a strong start in the MotoGP class, finishing fourth in his debut Sprint race and fifth in the main event at the Thai Grand Prix. His performance has set a promising tone for the remainder of the season.
Previous Moto2 Series Achievements
During his time in the Moto2 series, Ogura won the championship in 2024, finishing the season with three wins and eight podiums, solidifying his place as a top competitor in the category.
Ai Ogura Family
Family Background and MotoGP Lineage
Ogura comes from a family with a strong passion for motorcycle racing. His father, Shoji, was an amateur motorcyclist who played a significant role in nurturing Ogura’s interest in the sport. His older sister, Karen, is also a motorcycle racer, competing in various championships, including MotoAmerica.
Personal Life
Details about Ogura’s personal life are limited, but he has expressed gratitude for the support from his family throughout his racing career. He has also paid tribute to influential riders by wearing their numbers on his racing leathers, showcasing his respect for the sport’s history.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a significant transition for Ai Ogura as he competes in the MotoGP class with Trackhouse MotoGP Team. His debut performances have been encouraging, with a strong showing at the Thai Grand Prix. As he continues to adapt to the challenges of MotoGP, Ogura aims to build on his early success and establish himself as a formidable competitor in the premier class of motorcycle racing.
