Ai Ogura's Mixed Feelings: Unlocking Aprilia's Potential in Sepang MotoGP Test
Despite making progress on Aprilia's 2026 RS-GP, Ai Ogura expressed dissatisfaction with his Sprint simulation at the Sepang MotoGP test, leaving him 'not so happy'. Finishing 12th overall, Ogura was within a second of the pace-setter, Alex Marquez of Gresini Ducati, but he had higher expectations for himself.
Battling a cold on the final day, Ogura admitted he anticipated more from the long run, where he struggled to keep up with the leading riders. He believes the key lies in the rider-bike synergy, expecting to shave off a few tenths but falling short. Ogura finds the new bike more agreeable, but extracting that final bit of performance proved challenging.
When asked about his pace compared to factory Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi, Ogura identified high-speed sections as the area for improvement. Bezzecchi, he noted, carries more speed through the turns, a skill Ogura aims to emulate.
As the focus shifts to the Buriram circuit for the final pre-season test, Ogura looks to build on his previous success there. It's a track where he achieved his best MotoGP results to date, finishing 4th in the Sprint and 5th in the GP on his debut last year.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Peter, a 20-year paddock veteran who witnessed Valentino Rossi's rise and fall, is now at the center of the Suzuki exit saga and Marc Marquez's injury woes. How will these storylines influence the upcoming season? Will Ogura's progress continue, or will he face further challenges? The MotoGP world eagerly awaits the answers as the season unfolds.
