Ai Ogura is set to make his MotoGP return at the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend at the Red Bull Ring, but the Trackhouse Aprilia rider is keeping his expectations firmly in check.
Ogura has missed the last two rounds after undergoing surgery on a left thumb fracture sustained during motocross training in Japan. The injury came at a high price, following his breakthrough victory at the Dutch MotoGP earlier this year. Now, having completed his recovery, he is ready to get back on the RS-GP, provided he passes the mandatory pre-event medical check.
“I’m feeling good. I think the hand situation is better than I expected a week ago,” Ogura said. “For sure, I’m excited to get back. I just want to start the weekend and see how much we can do and how we are. Nothing special. I just want to have a normal weekend.”
Despite his eagerness, Ogura acknowledges that returning to a competitive level after injury is no easy feat. He believes a podium on his comeback race is a tall order. “I missed two races and I need some time to get back to full confidence on the bike. To have a comeback race just after injury and get a podium is not an easy thing, so I expect a good race from Raul [Fernandez] but not really from myself honestly,” he admitted with a smile.
His absence has seen him slip to sixth in the world championship standings, but the Japanese rider remains a force to be reckoned with. Austria will serve as a crucial stepping stone before his home race at Motegi, Japan, where he hopes to be closer to full fitness.
“As I said before, the situation is not like we wanted, but it’s good that at least I can try to race in Austria before getting to Japan. So, I hope to get a good feeling in Austria and be close to my 100% in Motegi. That’s the target for now. I just want to make good races, both in Austria and Japan,” he explained.
Ogura will join the factory Yamaha team next season, making every race with Aprilia a valuable opportunity to refine his skills before the switch. His return in Austria will be closely watched, but he remains humble and focused on the recovery process.
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