With the first stop on the 2026 MotoGP calendar now upon us, George Martin is expecting big things from Ai Ogura after seeing his impressive lap times at the Buriram test last week.
Last year when he was in the premier class for the first time Grand Prix of Thailand, No. Ogura He shocked everyone by finishing fifth at the checkered flag.
of Tracking house The rider showed some good potential in the pre-season tests in his first ride in MotoGP and Ogura Neil Hodgson had a researcher who ate his words. After becoming Aprilia’s leading rider in Buriram.
There must be something Ogura loves about the circuit in Thailand. Returning to the grid in pre-season testing this year, the Japanese rider once again proved his mettle.
His race credentials were second to none, indicating that Ogura could take a step forward this year and position himself for a podium finish, or even a maiden victory in the premier class.
Could we have a surprise winner at the Thai Grand Prix?
Jorge Martin says Ogura is one of the ‘favourites’ for the Thai Grand Prix.
In an interview with Make a mark Before the 2026 season-opener, former world champion George Martin First, he asked for his thoughts on who the headliners are this year.
The Spaniard replied: “We’ll see throughout the year. I know our bike is starting to improve. It’s improved since I tested it in Valencia and it’s working really well now.”
“I can ride in a very natural style, the bike is more stable, less responsive, and there is still room for improvement, it will be a tough fight.
” Above Ducatiis the rival. Mark (Marquez)Because he is the one who won the world championship and is the most popular, but I see Marco (Bezecchi) Very competitive, depending on how he performs in the test, he is really intimidating. Now we can see that he is just as competitive in the race.
Then, when asked about Ogura’s potential for another good performance following his strong lap time in testing in Thailand, Martin said: “It’s the track that suits him the most.”
“He’s very talented, obviously, and he’s one of the favorites here, along with Marco. When I see the test, I’ll put money on him.”
What is your favorite moment at the Thai Grand Prix?
Ai Ogura must consistently perform as he did at the 2025 Thai Grand Prix.
In the year The 2025 Thai Grand Prix became the Japanese rider’s most lucrative race weekend of the season.
He was unable to repeat his P4 in the Sprint and P5 in the Grand Prix for the rest of the season, and his stock on the grid took a huge hit because of it.
even if He has been linked with replacing Martin in the factory Aprilia outfit Amidst the Spaniard’s contract dispute, O’Gura finished the season in 16th place, almost half the points amassed by Trackhouse team-mate Raul Fernandez.
Unfortunately Injuries have limited Ogura’s chances of competing at his best.Fermin Aldeguer scored a convincing victory in the race to win Rookie of the Year.
Now on the eve of his sophomore season in the premier class, the Japanese rider can properly compose himself to look ahead to another strong result in Buriram.
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