Marco Bezzecchi
Davide Brivio has confirmed that Ai Ogura will be departing from Trackhouse at the end of the season and has revealed that the American satellite outfit will be seeking an experienced rider to fill the void, potentially opening the door to Jack Miller.
It’s expected that Ai Ogura will be replacing Alex Rins at Yamaha, following the Spaniard’s furious comments to the media on Friday afternoon. Rins detailed how he found out about the move in the press, and was privately told that Yamaha had signed their second rider for 2027.
While Brivio didn’t name any names during his comments on a replacement, it’s clear to see that the door has now closed on a potential move for Ducati World Superbikes star Nicolo Bulega.
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The Italian rider was linked with a move to the Aprilia-backed Trackhouse outfit in recent weeks, with it being reported that the factory’s director, Fabio Sterlacchini, was ‘ready to welcome’ Bulega into the fold in Noale.
However, it now seems unlikely, but it has potentially opened the door for Jack Miller, the grid’s resident veteran, to secure himself another season of premier class racing.
Davide Brivio admits his disappointment at losing Ai Ogura, hints at replacement
During an interview with Sky Italia on the first day of proceedings at the Spanish Grand Prix, Trackhouse boss Brivio shared his thoughts on the latest news regarding Ogura’s future at the team.
“There’s a bit of disappointment, but everyone makes their own choices and follows their heart,” Brivio began. “When we signed him two years ago, we took into account that after two years, a rider might want to move to a factory team.
“We took this risk, and it’s part of the game. It’s disappointing, but he made his choice, and if he’s happy, we’re happy too. We’ll try to find another solution.”
Will Jack Miller still be a MotoGP rider in 2027?
While Ogura’s exit from Trackhouse has been confirmed, his arrival at Yamaha is yet to be announced. Brivio remained tight-lipped on his destination, adding, “He’s chosen a new challenge, and I can’t tell you where he’ll go because I don’t know.
“I just know that he won’t be with us anymore because he’s already told me. Ai is a smart guy; he knows what he’s leaving behind and what he’ll find.”
Of course, the team principal was then asked who Trackhouse are looking at signing to fill the Japanese rider’s void at the end of the season, to which he said, “This is not the time to invest in a rookie.
“We’re in a phase where we need to try to get results, and so we think having an experienced rider will allow us to better exploit the bike’s potential, rather than waste a year developing a rookie.”
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Jack Miller would be the perfect candidate to replace Ai Ogura at Trackhouse
Miller was lucky to find himself with a seat on the 2026 grid, with it understood that Yamaha kept the Australian on board due to his prowess in bike development.
When it comes to experience on today’s grid, there aren’t many with more years under their belt than Miller. After making his debut in 2015, the 31-year-old has raced for four out of the five manufacturers on the grid, and is renowned for his technical know-how.
He was an integral part of Ducati’s development process and success since the start of the new decade, and, interestingly, Aprilia is the only constructor that Miller hasn’t raced for in the premier class.
With Aprilia now looking increasingly strong in 2026, he could be the perfect candidate for Trackhouse to bring on board in order for the Noale-based factory to continue with their success of this year into MotoGP’s new era of regulations in 2027.
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