It’s not exactly the start to the season that Ai Ogura was expecting. The reigning Moto2 vice-champion will start from the GP in Argentina without having done even one day of testing, between private and factory. The left wrist injury has slowed down a lot his approach to the new season, in which he is inevitably one of the boys to keep an eye on. Instead, we had to watch the Portimao GP from the garage, at Termas de Rio Hondo the situation won’t be simpler, but Ogura is ready to finally start 2023.
Surprises are always welcome, but much more likely we shouldn’t expect who knows what result. “I haven’t ridden with my Moto2 yet this year, physically I’m not 100%” in fact admitted Ai Ogura on the eve of the first free practice. The seasonal debut will therefore be quite complex. “The feeling isn’t there yet, but day after day it will get better and we will adapt to what we find.” The goal for the moment is only one: “I will try to finish the race.”
Honda Team Asia will therefore contest its first GP of the year with a full line-up. After Somkiat Chantra’s 9th place in Portimao, we’ll see how the combination of the team led by Hiroshi Aoyama fares. “Ai Ogura will compete again” underlined the former 250cc world champion and team manager. “He has his medical checkup today, but we are convinced he will gain fitness to compete. The track isn’t simple: very technical, with long straights and some tight corners, but we’ll see what happens on Sunday.”
Photo: motogp.com
