Ai Ogura Emerging as MotoGP Rising Star

After a difficult rookie season, the Moto2 champion is starting to show his true potential in 2026.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:33am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a MotoGP race scene, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette representing the dynamic energy and progress of young rider Ai Ogura.Ai Ogura's rapid rise through the MotoGP ranks is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the action on the track.Austin Today

Ai Ogura, the reigning Moto2 champion, is beginning to fulfill his promise in his second MotoGP season with the Trackhouse satellite team. After a muted rookie campaign in 2025 that was hampered by injuries, Ogura has impressed in the opening rounds of 2026 with a string of strong finishes, including a near-podium result at the US GP before a late mechanical issue. Trackhouse team principal Davide Brivio believes Ogura's improved form is a result of increased maturity and experience, as the young Japanese rider adapts to the demands of MotoGP.

Why it matters

Ogura was widely tipped as a future MotoGP star after his Moto2 title, and his early 2026 performances suggest he is starting to live up to that potential. If he can continue this upward trajectory, Ogura could emerge as a regular podium contender and a future race winner, providing an exciting new talent for the premier class.

The details

After a difficult rookie season in 2025 that was disrupted by injuries, Ogura has shown marked improvement in the opening rounds of 2026. He rose from 10th to 5th in the final laps of the Thai GP, matching his best MotoGP finish, and followed that up with a pair of top-five results in Brazil. At the US GP, Ogura was in podium contention before a late engine issue forced him to retire. Trackhouse team boss Davide Brivio believes Ogura's increased maturity and experience have been key to his progress, as the young Japanese rider adapts to the demands of MotoGP.

  • Ogura broke his leg in a crash over the 2025 British GP weekend and needed surgery.
  • Ogura suffered another accident at Misano in 2025 that left him with a hand injury.
  • Ogura finished 4th and 5th on his MotoGP debut weekend in 2025.
  • After the opening three rounds of 2026, Ogura has accumulated 37 championship points.

The players

Ai Ogura

The reigning Moto2 champion who is in his second season in MotoGP, riding for the Trackhouse satellite team.

Davide Brivio

The team principal of the Trackhouse Racing team, which fields Ogura and Raul Fernandez in MotoGP.

Raul Fernandez

Ogura's more experienced teammate at Trackhouse Racing.

Marco Bezzecchi

The factory Aprilia rider who has led the charge for the Italian manufacturer so far in 2026.

Jorge Martin

The other factory Aprilia rider who has been among the frontrunners in the opening rounds of 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We are pleased, but it's nothing we didn't expect. This is what we were working on.”

— Davide Brivio, Trackhouse Racing Team Principal

“What you call the roller coaster of last year, that was very much influenced by the injury. We had two big injuries. When he got the injury, it was a little bit of a step back, and then it takes time to recover and everything. Now hopefully everything's going okay.”

— Davide Brivio, Trackhouse Racing Team Principal

“We know he's fast, we know he has talent, and it's a matter of going through the first year of experience, to make mistakes, to learn, to understand, and we have seen him starting in the season more mature and more aware of what he can do. But not just aware, but having experience. He knows what to expect.”

— Davide Brivio, Trackhouse Racing Team Principal

What’s next

Ogura will look to continue his upward trajectory and secure his first MotoGP podium in the coming races. His strong early-season form has also reportedly caught the attention of the factory Yamaha team, with rumors suggesting he could join them in 2027.

The takeaway

After a difficult rookie season, Ai Ogura is starting to show the form that made him a Moto2 champion. His improved performances in 2026 suggest the young Japanese rider is maturing and adapting to the demands of MotoGP, putting him on the path to becoming a regular podium contender in the premier class.