Ogura Aims High at Italian MotoGP

Image source: Alamy Stock Photo

2026 MotoGP Season

2026 Brembo Grand Prix of Italy

Round 7

Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello

Scarperia e San Piero, Italy

Sunday, 31 May 2026

Ai Ogura heads to Italian MotoGP looking to bounce back and score strong points after a mixed Catalan MotoGP weekend.

Most recent race

At the Catalan MotoGP on May 17, Ogura finished eighth in the Sprint after a strong recovery from 18th on the grid.  

In the main race on Sunday, the 25-year-old crossed the line in fourth place but received a three-second penalty for a last-lap collision with Pedro Acosta, dropping him to eighth.

MotoGP ambitions

The 2024 Moto2 World Champion sits fifth in the 2026 MotoGP Riders’ standings with 77 points.  

Ogura is 15 points behind Pedro Acosta (fourth), 39 points behind Fabio Di Giannantonio (third), and 65 points behind championship leader Marco Bezzecchi.

Why Ogura could win the 2026 Italian MotoGP

Ogura excels at managing tyres and riding fast in the later part of races. 

Mugello’s long straights and fast corners should suit the Asia Talent Cup graduate’s smooth riding style and cornering skills.

Quotes

“It was truly embarrassing. A completely stupid move,” Ogura said after finishing eighth at the 2026 Catalan MotoGP. 

“I thought I could overtake him, but it didn’t go as planned. While braking, the rear of the bike started sliding and I hit Pedro (Acosta) from the front. I just wanted to hold my line and pass him, but the bike reacted differently. It was a strange Sunday, with three starts. 

“We had a good pace and towards the end we were able to catch a few riders in the front. But the last lap, last corner was just my stupid mistake. I shouldn’t make that move. In the end, I took one rider out and put myself in ninth position. So that wasn’t good at all.”

2025 Italian MotoGP

Winner: Marc Marquez – Ducati
Runner-Up: Alex Marquez – Ducati
Third-Place: Fabio Di Giannantonio – Ducati