OGURA AND MOTOGP EXECUTIVE MEET JAPAN’S SPORTS AGENCY AHEAD OF HOME GRAND PRIX

Ai Ogura’s build-up to his home MotoGP round included a visit to Japan’s national sports agency, where the Trackhouse rider and MotoGP deputy chief executive Carlos Ezpeleta discussed the championship’s future in the country with agency adviser Naoko Hirayama.

The meeting in Tokyo focused on the importance of the Japanese Grand Prix, MotoGP’s contribution to international sport and tourism, and how racing can benefit local communities. It came ahead of the series’ return to Motegi, where expectations are high for Ogura after his strong comeback from injury: he finished fourth at the Austrian Grand Prix. He has also won at the circuit in the intermediate class, in 2022.

Japan has hosted motorcycle world championship racing regularly since 1963, apart from the two seasons disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Motegi has been the sole Japanese MotoGP venue since 2004, following the death of world champion Daijiro Kato at Suzuka the previous year. Makoto Tamada remains the only Japanese rider to have won a premier-class race at Motegi, taking victory in 2004.

Hirayama welcomed the visitors and said Japan was proud to host the Grand Prix. “The history of MotoGP and motorsport in Japan is extremely rich,” she said, adding that the meeting was an opportunity to consider how to build on the championship’s foundations and develop the sport for future generations. She also wished Ogura success at his home race.

Ezpeleta described Japan as important to both MotoGP’s past and its future, citing its major manufacturers, passionate fans and deep racing tradition. He said the championship was pleased to return to Motegi and welcomed the support of the sports agency and Japanese government as they worked to grow the sport and bring top-level events to fans across the country.

He also highlighted Ogura’s achievements and the role of development programmes, including the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup. In 2026, Ogura became the cup’s first graduate to reach a MotoGP podium, finishing third at Le Mans, and then became the first Japanese rider to win a premier-class race since Tamada, at Assen.

Ogura, who arrived in Japan sixth in the championship standings, said he appreciated the government’s interest and Ezpeleta’s efforts. “I think Japanese motorsport needs to take a first step, and that is what we did today,” he said. He called the exchange of ideas important for both Japanese sport and MotoGP, and said he hoped the conversation would continue so motorsport could become better known throughout the country. Ogura added that it would be great if Hirayama and other officials attended a race weekend, and said he was looking forward to reaching Motegi and seeing the fans.