Ai Ogura is set to return to MotoGP action at the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend, ending a difficult spell on the sidelines after a broken thumb disrupted his championship campaign.
The Trackhouse Aprilia rider was forced to miss the Aragon and San Marino rounds following a training accident after the British Grand Prix. His return at the Red Bull Ring offers a chance to rebuild his momentum, although the points lost during his absence have significantly weakened his title hopes.
Ogura sustained the injury during training and subsequently underwent surgery before beginning an intensive rehabilitation programme in Barcelona. After receiving medical clearance to compete, the Japanese rider admitted that he expects to experience some pain during the weekend. However, the risk of aggravating the injury is considered low, allowing him to return to the demanding MotoGP grid.
Before his injury, Ogura had established himself as a genuine championship contender. He sat third in the standings, just 37 points behind then-leader Jorge Martin. Missing two rounds, however, saw his deficit increase to 71 points, while he dropped to sixth in the overall standings.
Source: News.GP
Martin now shares the championship lead with Marc Marquez, leaving Ogura with considerable ground to recover as the season progresses. While the title remains a difficult target, the Trackhouse rider will be focused on collecting points and regaining the form that made him a contender earlier in the season.
His recovery was also complicated by concerns over the timing of his surgery. Ogura revealed that an initial assessment by a doctor in Japan had led to advice that he believes delayed the procedure and affected his chances of returning sooner, potentially at Misano.
Asked whether immediate surgery could have allowed him to race at the Italian round, Ogura said: "That's what [the] Japanese doctor told me. I have nothing against them, but I shouldn't listen to that kind of comment."
His comments reflected his frustration over a recovery process that kept him away from the grid for longer than he had hoped.
Trackhouse Aprilia will welcome the return of its Dutch Grand Prix winner after two difficult weekends without him. Raul Fernandez was unable to match his Silverstone victory during Ogura's absence, while test rider Lorenzo Savadori stepped in at Aragon. The San Marino round also saw the team compete with just one bike.
Ogura's comeback provides a boost for the squad as the season enters its next phase. Although his championship challenge has suffered a major setback, the Japanese rider will be aiming to regain his pace, fight for strong results and help Trackhouse Aprilia return to the front of the MotoGP field.
