Marco Bezzecchi
There were three MotoGP rookies heading into the 2025 season on three different bikes. Their fortunes have all been quite different so far.
The highest-placed in the championship is Ai Ogura, who has been head and shoulders above some of his more experienced rivals during the opening five races.
The Trackhouse star has been really consistent, while Gresini’s Fermin Adleguer is just starting to show some impressive pace too.
Sadly for Somkiat Chantra, he’s the only full-time rider to have competed at every event without scoring a point. He’s a fair margin off the pace and needs to find more speed to save his MotoGP career.
Aldeguer slammed ‘unjustified’ noise about his seat after comparing himself too closely to Ogura’s excellent performances early in the season.
Meanwhile, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t more required from Ogura at Trackhouse. Without a disqualification in Argentina, he’d have four top 10 finishes in five Grands Prix to his name.
READ MORE: Why Jorge Martin is feeling ‘a lot of anxiety’ after watching Ai Ogura on Aprilia’s MotoGP bike
Davide Brivio expects Ai Ogura to have ‘options’ for the 2027 MotoGP season
Ogura showed one ‘incredible’ trait on debut and displayed a lot more composure than expected for a younger rider.
Since then, he has been the same every weekend. He has been Aprilia’s best rider overall, slightly making up for the absence of Jorge Martin at the factory team.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Trackhouse boss Davide Brivio discussed his star rider’s talents and revealed what the future may bring.
“I was confident that Ai could do well, that’s why we brought him here. But the truth is that he surprised us too,” he said. “We thought that Raul, in his fourth year in MotoGP, would be the point of reference for the team, and so far he hasn’t been.”
“He’s a guy who listens a lot, who learns very quickly and who knows what he wants, he doesn’t waste time on what isn’t important.
“For 2027, it’s clear that some brand will come looking for him. But by then we’ll have to see what options open up.”
READ MORE: What Marc Marquez privately told Ai Ogura after impressive Thailand Grand Prix performance
Would it be wise for Ai Ogura to move ahead of the 2027 MotoGP season?
Historically, Trackhouse have never been the most competitive of MotoGP outfits, but they’re showing signs of trending in the right direction.
Their bike will only improve with the feedback of reigning champion Martin when he returns to Aprilia, and it could mean that Ogura has even better results on the horizon.
However, whether or not the situation will be tempting enough to ignore an offer from a satellite Ducati team or maybe even a Honda for 2027 remains to be seen.
A Japanese rider on a Japanese bike would be an incredible sight, especially if Ducati’s advantage is diminished ahead of the new regulations.
Even Yamaha could be an option, with their new V4 machine gearing up for its debut at some stage this campaign.
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