Ai Ogura admits that it “killed me” that his greatest results of his MotoGP rookie season got here within the first race, because it led to many doubts about his potential.
The 2024 Moto2 World Champion’s signing with Trackhouse Aprilia got here as a little bit of a shock, however he began strongly on the opening spherical of the 2025 marketing campaign in Thailand.
Ai Ogura regarded like a favourite for the Rookie of the Yr award after beginning the 12 months with some stable outcomes, scoring consecutive top-five finishes at Buriram, together with fifth place in the primary race.
Nevertheless, the Japanese rider was unable to enhance on his leads to Thailand, with a lot of accidents and total lack of kind holding him again till the previous few races.
Wanting again on his first 12 months in MotoGP, Ogura says his robust begin in Thailand didn’t increase his confidence because it ought to have.
“It was fairly the other,” he defined.
“And that is deadly for me, as a result of my greatest end result was my first race, which was particular.
“After which the following race I began to surprise if that was my true potential… However the final race went rather well and I had a few top-10 finishes as effectively.”
Ogura stated, “Throughout this season, there was a time after I thought I wasn’t adequate, however after that I used to be in a position to journey effectively.
“I had doubts after the damage, particularly throughout troublesome occasions.
“However we had excellent races within the final two Grands Prix, so now we will see a vibrant future, which is nice.”
He described his first 12 months in MotoGP as “nothing particular”, whereas saying “nothing shocked me” about his season.
“I’ve nothing particular to say about my first 12 months in MotoGP.
“Simply racing, there have been numerous crashes and accidents. It has been a troublesome 12 months, however there are nonetheless numerous good issues.
“I am very glad to complete my rookie season. I am wanting ahead to my second season.”
“To be trustworthy, nothing shocked me. I all the time consider the worst-case state of affairs, so nothing surprises me.”
