Alex Marquez Tops Post-Season Test as Marc Marquez Joins Factory…
Alex Marquez tops MotoGP's Barcelona test, while Marc Marquez shines in his Ducati debut. Honda rookies and new team signings…
Reigning Moto2 World Champion Ai Ogura made his MotoGP debut at the post-season test in Barcelona, riding the Aprilia RS-GP for Trackhouse Racing. The 23-year-old Japanese rider completed 86 laps and finished 21st on the timesheets, trailing Alex Marquez in 1st by +2.143 seconds.
Ogura, who spent four years in Moto2 before clinching the title with MT Helmets – MSi in 2024, joined Aprilia’s satellite team for the upcoming season, bypassing the Honda Team Asia pathway many expected him to follow.
Despite being the slowest of the four Aprilia riders on the day, he was only 1.1 seconds behind fellow Aprilia debutant and MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin.
Reflecting on his day, the Japanese revealed mixed emotions. “Overall, I think it was a good day. After the crash, I got my confidence back and slowly got faster. The acceleration surprised me, but it was a nice experience.”
Ogura had crashed early in the test after losing the front into Barcelona’s tricky Turn 2. He later admitted he felt “nervous” sharing the track with MotoGP’s top riders.
“From when I brake to when I touch the throttle, I need to understand much more.” The MotoGP rookie explained that corner entry is where he struggles the most.
Unlike fellow rookies Aldeguer and Chantra, Ogura didn’t find the jump in braking performance or engine power overly daunting. “I expected more surprise, but after two or three laps, I was already ok with the speed. The difference between steel and carbon brakes wasn’t really that dramatic for me.”
Trackhouse Racing’s team principal, Davide Brivio, praised Ogura’s composed mindset. “He is taking a calm approach, step by step,” Brivio noted.
“He had nothing to say after his first run because he wanted to think and understand everything. I like how he’s processing it all, even though it’s his early days.”
Ogura’s winter plans include ramping up his physical training to handle the power of his MotoGP bike, despite not feeling fatigued after his 86 laps. “For this track, I was okay. I didn’t have any problems with my body. Still, I’ll train harder this winter.”
