Ai Ogura makes history with best MotoGP rookie debut since 2013

Ai Ogura stuns the paddock with a top-five finish in his first MotoGP race.

Ai Ogura of Japan and Trackhouse MotoGP Team rides during practice for the MotoGP 2025 PT Grand Prix of Thailand at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, on February 28, 2025. Photo by Kaikungwon Duanjumroon/Nur

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Ai Ogura has already made his mark as MotoGP’s coolest character in 2025, delivering a rookie debut that few could have predicted. The Trackhouse Racing rider stunned the paddock at the Thai Grand Prix last weekend, securing the best first-race result for a MotoGP newcomer since 2013. Despite the achievement, Ogura remained characteristically reserved in his post-race media appearance, summing up his milestone outing in just 186 words.

The Japanese rider’s promotion to MotoGP last year raised some eyebrows, as Trackhouse Racing signed him to a two-year deal over several high-profile contenders. While Ogura had been performing well in Moto2, his selection for the second satellite Aprilia seat came as a surprise to many. However, his rapid rise has proven the decision to be a masterstroke, with Ogura going on to claim the Moto2 title before stepping up to the premier class.

Trackhouse saw Ogura’s potential early

Trackhouse Racing has built a reputation for making bold moves in motorsport, and Ogura’s signing was no exception. While some viewed it as a gamble, the team had strong reasons for putting faith in the Japanese rider. Trackhouse’s motorsport director, Davide Brivio, explained their decision in an interview with Crash last November.

“When you watch him on track, the way he picks up the bike, how he’s braking—there’s something there,” Brivio said. “Also, we have somebody going around the track, looking, giving advice. So, as I say, we saw something and we took this decision. So, we’re happy to have him with us. We’re quite excited.”

Ogura’s Thai GP performance fully justified that excitement. His potential was already evident during pre-season testing, where he quietly impressed the paddock by completing a race simulation at the Sepang shakedown. When the season officially began in Thailand, he quickly established himself as the top Aprilia rider across the weekend.

A record-breaking rookie performance

Ogura’s performance in Thailand was nothing short of exceptional. He qualified fifth on the grid, just 0.352 seconds off pole position. In the sprint race, he shadowed reigning world champion Pecco Bagnaia on the factory Ducati for the entire race, finishing less than a second behind in fourth place. His momentum carried over to the grand prix, where he delivered a composed ride to claim fifth place—making him the highest-finishing non-Ducati rider.

At the chequered flag, Ogura was just 5.176 seconds behind race winner Marc Marquez and more than seven seconds clear of factory Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi, who also had an impressive debut with the brand. However, it was Ogura’s result that stood out in the record books. His fifth-place finish was the best MotoGP debut result since Marquez’s podium in 2013, making him the only rookie in over a decade to break into the top five on his first attempt.

A sign of things to come

Ogura’s Thai GP debut signals the arrival of a new MotoGP talent capable of battling at the front. His immediate impact in the premier class has not only validated Trackhouse Racing’s faith in him but also positioned him as a rider to watch in 2025.

With his calm demeanor, clinical riding style, and early success, Ogura has already begun rewriting expectations for rookies in MotoGP. As the season progresses, the question now is not whether he belongs in the premier class—but just how far he can go.