Ai Ogura: From title contender in 2022 to ninth place in 2023 in one year – Injuries and physical problems marked the Japanese’s season.

After being in the fight for the Moto2 world title until near the end in 2022, there were high expectations surrounding Ai Ogura, with the rider even being linked to LCR Honda in 2023, to replace Takaaki Nakagami. However, this did not happen and this year’s season proved to be tougher for the Japanese rider.

Often seen as an impulsive rider who gives his all and takes risks even when not necessary, somewhat similar to Jorge Martín in MotoGP, Ogura was a leading figure in the intermediate class in 2022, with three victories, although the end of the year was challenging, ultimately “helping” Augusto Fernández to clinch the title.

Expectations were high for 2023, but the truth is that the Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider did not have an easy time and the results fell short of what many expected: the #79 only made it to the podium three times, finishing in second place twice (Assen and Motegi), and once in third place (Spielberg).

Physically, this was a complicated year for the 22-year-old, which helps explain the difficult year, with the Japanese failing to participate in the opening round in Portimão due to surgery before the start of the championship, and then suffering another injury during training. In the end, Ogura finished ninth with a total of 137.5 points accumulated.