MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Ai Ogura and Trackhouse Racing are set to part ways at the end of the season following the Japanese rider’s decision to join Yamaha Factory Racing for the 2027 MotoGP campaign.
The announcement came shortly after Ogura’s strong early-season performances, including consistent top-five finishes and a potential maiden podium at COTA before an engine issue halted his progress. Having been signed by team principal Davide Brivio during his Moto2 title-winning campaign, Ogura quickly validated that decision with an impressive MotoGP debut on the Aprilia package.
Brivio acknowledged that losing Ogura is a disappointment for the team, while recognizing that a move to a factory outfit represents a natural career progression for a rider of his profile.
“It’s a bit disappointing, but everyone makes their own decisions,” Brivio told Sky Italia.
“When we signed him, we took into account the possibility that after two years he might want to join a factory team. That’s part of the deal, and now we need to find a solution.”
With Ogura’s departure confirmed, Trackhouse has shifted its focus to identifying a replacement for 2027. A number of names have been linked to the seat, including Joan Mir and WorldSBK contender Nicolo Bulega. However, Brivio indicated that the team’s priority is to secure an experienced rider rather than invest in another rookie.
“I don’t think this is the right moment to invest in a rookie. We believe that having experienced riders will allow us to better exploit the bike’s potential,” he explained.
This approach places several established MotoGP riders within scope. In addition to Mir, former Suzuki riders Alex Rins and Maverick Vinales—both proven race winners with prior links to Brivio—fit the desired profile. From an Italian perspective, riders such as Fabio Di Giannantonio, Enea Bastianini, and Luca Marini also represent viable options.
At the same time, Ogura’s exit is expected to strengthen the position of team-mate Raul Fernandez in ongoing contract discussions. Fernandez has delivered consistent results since last season, including Trackhouse’s first victory at Phillip Island and a double podium at the start of the current campaign in Thailand.
As the rider market begins to take shape ahead of 2027, Trackhouse faces a key strategic decision in defining its future line-up. The selection of Ogura’s successor will play a central role in maintaining the team’s competitiveness within an increasingly dynamic MotoGP grid.
Baca Juga
Jorge Martin menerima penalti tiga posisi grid usai insiden dengan Alex Marquez di latihan MotoGP Jerez 2026, meski tetap lolos ke Q2.
Alex Marquez memimpin latihan MotoGP Jerez 2026 dan lolos Q2 bersama dominasi Ducati dan Aprilia, sementara sejumlah nama besar harus melalui Q1.
Trackhouse kecewa kehilangan Ai Ogura ke Yamaha 2027 dan kini menargetkan pembalap berpengalaman sebagai pengganti di MotoGP.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!