Japanese rider Ai Ogura will make his MotoGP debut in the 2025 season after signing a two-year contract with Aprilia satellite team, Trackhouse. The announcement was made on Thursday during the Austrian Grand Prix. The 23-year-old has demonstrated exceptional talent, securing third place in the 2020 Moto3 World Championship and finishing as runner-up in the 2022 Moto2 Championship. Ogura's continued success is evident in his current Moto2 campaign, where he has claimed two victories and holds the second position in the standings. Joining Raul Fernandez at Trackhouse, Ogura forms a promising young rider lineup. With the departure of Miguel Oliveira, the team will field two riders on identical Aprilia RS-GP motorcycles, mirroring the factory Aprilia Racing team's equipment. This strategic alignment positions Aprilia for a competitive advantage in the MotoGP World Championship over the next two seasons.
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Ai Ogura said: ‘First, I would like to say thanks to all the people who are part of this project and everybody who supported me. Of course, this is the dream! The final step to take. MotoGP is the maximum level you can have, so I’m obviously really happy to make it there. I’m very happy to be able to race in the top class and I can’t wait to do it together with the Trackhouse Racing MotoGP Team. I can see that the team is really competitive and the bike is very strong and as a rider, my job is doing what I can with everything I have. It’s always the same mentality but I’m very happy to be part of Trackhouse and make this step up to MotoGP with them - I’m just looking forward to start 2025. Now I have to think about the Moto2 World Championship. I’ll try to finish this year the best way I can and arrive well-prepared in 2025. Thank you everybody and see you next year!’
MotoGP: 2025 Rider Market
With the 2024 MotoGP season nearing its midpoint, the rider market for the following year is heating up. While only five seats remain unconfirmed, the overall picture for the 2025 grid is becoming increasingly clear.
???? @TrackhouseMoto line-up: sorted!
Five spots are left on the #MotoGP2025 grid#MotoGP pic.twitter.com/gJnyNgtYoh
— MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) August 15, 2024
Valentino Rossi's VR46 Ducati team is set to field a promising pairing, with Franco Morbidelli joining the squad alongside newly minted factory Ducati rider Fabio Di Giannantonio. Meanwhile, the Gresini Racing MotoGP team will undergo a significant change as Fermin Aldeguer, a rising star from Moto2, will likely replace Marc Marquez, who is heading to the factory Ducati team.
With Ogura confirmed for Trackhouse racing, it is more likely that Thai racer Somkiat Chantra will likely join LCR Honda. Additionally, the Pramac Racing team is set for a major overhaul as they switch from Ducati to Yamaha machinery. Miguel Oliveira is expected to join the team, with Jack Miller also rumoured to be part of the new line-up following his departure from KTM.
As the 2024 season progresses, fans can anticipate further official announcements that will finalise the 2025 MotoGP grid and set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive championship.
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