The former ATC star will race for Trackhouse Racing in 2025 and 2026, signalling the first former rider to make the jump to the premier class
Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup history has been made! Moto2™ title hopeful Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) has become the first ATC graduate to earn a full-time MotoGP™ seat as the Japanese star gets set to race for Trackhouse Racing MotoGP™ in 2025 and 2026.
Ogura raced in the ATC in 2015 and 2016, winning four races – one in his rookie season and three in his second year – as he claimed the runner-up honours in 2016. Ogura then continued on the Road to MotoGP™ in the Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup and JuniorGP™ World Championship, winning two races in each class, before his Grand Prix adventure began in 2018.
Eight podiums were secured across three years in Moto3™, with Ogura narrowly missing out on winning the lightweight class title in 2020. An impressive P8 overall finish in his debut Moto2™ campaign was backed up by another title charge in 2022, with Ogura winning three intermediate class races on his way to a P2 Championship finish.
Following an injury-hit 2023 season, Ogura – having switched to the MT Helmets – MSI team and a Boscoscuro chassis – has been back to his brilliant best. Two more victories in 2024 have seen Ogura emerge as a Championship frontrunner once more, and his impressive displays this year, coupled with what we’ve seen from the #79 in years gone by, have earned him a well-deserved MotoGP™ promotion.
Everyone involved with the ATC is incredibly proud of Ogura’s achievements. We can’t wait to see one of our own compete in MotoGP™, as he and many others continue to inspire the ATC riders of today and tomorrow. Congratulations Ai!
