AI OGURA RETURNS IN AUSTRIA AFTER LEFT THUMB SURGERY

Ai Ogura is set to return to MotoGP action at the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring after missing recent races due to injury. The Trackhouse rider suffered a fracture in the area of his left thumb during motocross training in Japan at the end of August. He then traveled to Barcelona for surgery, and the problem forced him to sit out the Grands Prix in Aragon and Misano.

On Tuesday evening, Trackhouse confirmed that Ogura will travel to Spielberg for the next round. In the team’s official statement, it said it was “happy” to see Ogura head to Austria after his operation and an intensive rehabilitation period in Barcelona, with the aim of resuming his fight for the championship. The team added that if he passes the required medical check on Thursday, he will get back on his RS-GP26 and be ready to regain his pace after a month away.

Ahead of the comeback, Ogura played down expectations for Austria. “I’m feeling good. I think the hand situation is better than I expected a week ago,” he said. “For sure, I’m excited to get back.”

He stressed that his focus is simply on getting through the weekend normally. “I just want to start the weekend and see how much we can do and how we are. Nothing special. I just want to have a normal weekend.”

Ogura also acknowledged the challenge of returning quickly after missing two races. “I missed two races and I need some time to get back to full confidence on the bike.” He pointed out that a fast return is not guaranteed, adding: “To have a comeback race just after injury and get a podium is not an easy thing, so I expect a good race from Raul [Fernandez] but not really from myself honestly.”

In the meantime, his absence has affected his championship position. Crash.net reported that Ogura, who had been second in the standings during the summer break and won the Dutch MotoGP, has slipped to sixth after a crash in the British MotoGP was followed by the hand injury.

Ogura is also using Austria as part of a longer plan, with Japan still in his sights. “As I said before, the situation is not like we wanted, but it’s good that at least I can try to race in Austria before getting to Japan,” he said. “So, I hope to get a good feeling in Austria and be close to my 100% in Motegi. That’s the target for now. I just want to make good races, both in Austria and Japan.”