Japanese rider Ai Ogura arrives at the GP of the Americas with great enthusiasm, eager to try his MotoGP bike on the American circuit for the first time. Despite his disappointment in Argentina, where he lost his points due to a technical irregularity, the Trackhouse rider remains focussed on his progress and wants to show his potential on the North American track.
‘I finally have the opportunity to ride MotoGP at the Circuit of the Americas, which is one of my favourite tracks on the calendar, and I’m super excited to go there,’ said Ogura. The Japanese rider has already stood on the podium at this circuit in both Moto3 and Moto2, which gives him the confidence to take on the challenge in the premier class.
The long and varied layout of the Texan circuit could be a good test for the lessons Ogura has learnt in the early rounds of the season: ‘The track is very beautiful, it has a long lap and lots of different corners, so it will be interesting to see what I’ve learnt in Thailand and Argentina. We’ve had some good races and practice sessions, and we’re still learning a lot of things’.
The driver’s focus remains on gradual evolution, without pressure: ‘The goal remains the same: to gain as much knowledge as possible and improve every time I go out on track. I’m going to keep working and having fun. It’s the team’s Grand Prix, so I want to do my best for the fans’.
After a positive start to the season, Ogura sees the GP of the Americas as another opportunity to consolidate his learning and prove that he is ready to compete among the best.