Aprilia: Losing Ogura “disappointing” but Trackhouse will make “right choice”

Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola has admitted it’s “disappointing” to lose Trackhouse rider Ai Ogura for the 2027 MotoGP season.

Ogura has informed Trackhouse that he will not be extending his contract, with team principal Davide Brivio confirming that the Japanese has been tempted away by a factory team.

“When we signed him, we took into account the possibility that after two years, he might want a factory team,” Brivio said during the Spanish MotoGP. “That's part of the deal. Now we'll try to find a solution."

Although Brivio declined to name the rival factory, Ogura is understood to be joining Yamaha.

Any chance of moving to Aprilia’s own factory team was already over, with Francesco Bagnaia tipped to partner the re-signed Marco Bezzecchi.

Bezzecchi remains the only officially confirmed 2027 factory rider so far, due to a delay in announcements while manufacturers negotiate a new commercial agreement with MotoGP SEG.

Rivola echoed Brivio’s disappointment at losing Ogura, who looked on course for a first MotoGP podium before technical issues struck at COTA, then was the fastest rider on track over the last ten laps at Jerez.

However, Rivola also said the loss of Ogura highlights that Brivio made a good decision by signing him in the first place - and backs the Trackhouse boss to make the “right choice” again for his replacement.

"On the one hand, it's disappointing to lose a rider who has proven to be talented, but it's also fair to say that the choice was the right one, so Davide Brivio had a far-sighted vision with Ogura,” Rivola told Sky Italia.

“We talk a lot with Davide, and I already know he'll make the right choice for the next rider, so we're in great hands.”

Rivola expects a decision soon on Ogura’s replacement.

“[Trackhouse] haven't chosen yet. I think it will be a matter of one race, two at most,” he said.

Brivio’s only clue so far has been to effectively rule out another rookie.

"I don't think it's the right time to invest in a rookie right now; we think having experienced riders will allow us to better exploit the bike's potential," Brivio said.

Brivio’s former Suzuki riders Joan Mir, Maverick Vinales and Alex Rins are among the proven MotoGP race winners still on the market for 2027.

Both Trackhouse seats are up for grabs, but Ogura's departure is seen as strengthening the contract chances of teammate and 2025 Australian Grand Prix winner Raul Fernandez.