Ai Ogura's Mixed Feelings: Unlocking Aprilia's Potential at Sepang MotoGP Test
Despite making progress with Aprilia's 2026 RS-GP, Ai Ogura expressed dissatisfaction with his Sprint simulation performance at the Sepang MotoGP test. Finishing 12th overall, he trailed the frontrunners, including Alex Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi. But here's where it gets intriguing: Ogura, battling a cold, expected more from the long run but fell short. He believes the key lies in the rider-bike synergy, aiming for those crucial few tenths of a second.
Ogura's insights reveal a fascinating challenge: while he feels more at ease with the new bike, extracting that final burst of speed remains elusive. He admits, 'I have a good feeling with the new bike, but to make that last extra push wasn't easy.' This conundrum highlights the delicate balance between rider skill and machine capabilities.
When asked about his pace compared to Bezzecchi, Ogura identifies high-speed sections as the differentiator. Bezzecchi's ability to maintain higher speeds through turns sets him apart. As they head to Buriram for the final pre-season test, Ogura's focus on refining his approach at high-speed sections could be pivotal.
With Ogura's impressive debut results at Buriram last year, the upcoming test is a chance to build on that success. But will he be able to bridge the gap to the top riders? Can he unlock the full potential of the Aprilia on high-speed tracks? These questions linger as the MotoGP season approaches, leaving fans eager for answers and the paddock buzzing with anticipation.
