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Ai Ogura aims to rejuvenate motorcycle culture in Japan for Yamaha

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 1, 2026, 12:05 AM

Last updated Oct 1, 2026

Ai Ogura aims to rejuvenate motorcycle culture in Japan for Yamaha

Summary

Yamaha has signed Ai Ogura for its factory MotoGP team, hoping he can reignite Japan's interest in motorcycling. Ogura made history as the first Japanese rider to win a premier-class race in over 20 years at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. The company's MotoGP chief, Paolo Pavesio, emphasized the fading motorcycle culture in Japan and sees Ogura as a pivotal figure in reversing this trend. Ogura's rise comes after he won the Moto2 title in 2024 and has shown impressive performance despite recent injuries. The upcoming 2027 MotoGP season will feature Ogura racing for Yamaha, further cementing his role in the sport's future.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports Motorsport.com

Status Watch

•Yamaha signs Ai Ogura for the 2027 MotoGP season.
•Ogura won the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, ending a 20-year drought for Japanese riders.
•Yamaha aims to boost motorcycle culture in Japan through Ogura's success.
•Paolo Pavesio highlighted the decline in motorcycle popularity in Japan.
•Ogura previously won the Moto2 title in 2024 before joining MotoGP.

Latest Updates

12:05 AMYahoo Sports — Yamaha hopes MotoGP race winner Ai Ogura can revive Japan’s “lost” motorcycle passion
12:05 AMMotorsport.com — Yamaha hopes MotoGP race winner Ai Ogura can revive Japan’s “lost” motorcycle passion

What they're saying

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Yamaha believes Ai Ogura has the potential to become one of the best Japanese riders in MotoGP history and help reignite passion for motorcycling in his home country. Trackhouse rider Ogura has been one of the star performers of the 2026 MotoGP season, with his first-place finish in the Dutch Grand Prix making him the first Japanese rider to win a premier-class race in over two decades. The ...Keep reading
— Motorsport.com