Japanese rider Ai Ogura (Aprilia) secured his first MotoGP podium with a third-place finish at the French Grand Prix, ending a 13-year wait for a Japanese rider on the premier class podium.
Japanese rider Ai Ogura (Aprilia) made history at the French Grand Prix, finishing third to claim his first MotoGP podium. The result makes him the first Japanese rider to stand on the premier class podium since Katsuyuki Nakasuga in 2012, and the first to do so in dry conditions since Shinya Nakano in 2006.
How did Ogura achieve this milestone?
Starting from sixth on the grid, Ogura steadily advanced through the pack in the early laps. A smart tire management strategy and consistent pace allowed him to overtake several rivals and cross the line in third. After the race, Ogura said: “Finally! I felt I could fight for the podium since the start of the season. Achieving it today is a dream come true. I thank my team for their huge support.”
Why is this significant for Japan?
The last Japanese rider on a MotoGP podium was Katsuyuki Nakasuga, who finished second at Valencia in 2012. Before that, Tohru Ukawa had a podium in 2006. Ogura’s achievement reignites hope for Japanese riders competing at the highest level. Notably, the last Japanese podium in dry conditions was Shinya Nakano in the Netherlands in 2006, making Ogura’s dry-race podium particularly special.
What does Ogura say about his future?
Ogura expressed that this result gives him great confidence for the rest of the season. “This is just the beginning. My goal is to regularly fight for top positions and win races in the future,” he said.
How has the motorsport community reacted?
The achievement has been widely celebrated, especially in Japan, where media hailed it as a “return of the Japanese spirit” to MotoGP. His teammates also praised his outstanding performance.
Key facts
- Rider: Ai Ogura (Japan)
- Bike: Aprilia RS-GP
- Race: French Grand Prix (MotoGP)
- Position: 3rd (first podium)
- Last Japanese podium: Katsuyuki Nakasuga (2012)
- Last Japanese dry-race podium: Shinya Nakano (2006)
Frequently asked questions
Who is Ai Ogura?
Ai Ogura is a 24-year-old Japanese rider competing in MotoGP with Aprilia. He gained fame after winning the Moto2 title in 2022.
When was the last Japanese rider on a MotoGP podium?
The last Japanese rider on a MotoGP podium was Katsuyuki Nakasuga, who finished second at the Valencia Grand Prix in 2012.
Is this Ogura’s first MotoGP podium?
Yes, this is Ai Ogura’s first podium in the MotoGP class, after moving up this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ai Ogura?
Ai Ogura is a 24-year-old Japanese rider competing in MotoGP with Aprilia. He gained fame after winning the Moto2 title in 2022.
When was the last Japanese rider on a MotoGP podium?
The last Japanese rider on a MotoGP podium was Katsuyuki Nakasuga, who finished second at the Valencia Grand Prix in 2012.
Is this Ogura's first MotoGP podium?
Yes, this is Ai Ogura's first podium in the MotoGP class, after moving up this season.
Sources
- Best Car Web (JP) — 【インタビュー】小椋藍、MotoGP初表彰台に「ようやく」の思い。フランスGPの3位を語る
