Ai Ogura Explains Decision to Leave Honda for MotoGP Move
Ai Ogura, the Japanese rider currently competing in Moto2 with the MT Helmets MSI team, recently announced his move to MotoGP with the Trackhouse Aprilia team for the 2025 season. This move marks a significant change in Ogura’s career, which has been closely tied to Honda up to now. In an interview before the Austrian Grand Prix, Ogura shared details about his decision to leave Honda and join the premier class of motorcycle racing.
Ogura expressed excitement about making the leap to MotoGP, describing the opportunity as “a really special feeling.” He emphasized that MotoGP represents the pinnacle of his career, stating: “I’m really happy to finally make this step. MotoGP is the highest you can achieve, so I’m excited to see what I can accomplish there.”
Despite his enthusiasm, Ogura also reflected on the challenges and the transition of leaving Honda, a brand with which he has had a long and significant association. From the start of his career in the Asia Talent Cup (ATC), through the Moto3 Junior World Championship (now JuniorGP), and with Honda Team Asia, Ogura has always had a strong connection with Honda. Even now, he still sports the HRC logo on his leathers.
When asked how he feels about leaving Honda, Ogura was candid. “About this, I’m not really happy, of course. If I could make the MotoGP step with Honda, it would be the best. But at the same time, I have to think about my future and the situation, so that’s my decision.”
His decision to move to Trackhouse Aprilia, a team that has shown strong performance in its debut season, reflects a careful assessment of the available opportunities. Ogura acknowledged that Aprilia has proven to be one of the most competitive bikes in MotoGP in recent years and believes he is heading to the right place. “It looks like the team and the bike are really competitive. I think I’m in the right place for next year.”
Ogura also stands out as a rare case of a Japanese rider competing for a non-Japanese manufacturer in MotoGP and will be the first to reach the top class after going through the Asia Talent Cup. He highlighted the significance of this achievement, saying: “It’s just unbelievable. It all started from the Asia Talent Cup, and I’m still working with some people from the team. I can’t thank everyone enough who was involved in this project.”
While the manufacturer change may be a challenge, Ogura is focused on his new journey. The decision to leave Honda for Trackhouse Aprilia is a strategic move for his career, seeking new opportunities and facing new challenges in the elite of motorcycle racing.
