Ai Ogura is apparently set to make his MotoGP comeback at Mugello – following his leg injury, the Japanese rider is ready to return to the Aprilia RS-GP
After a serious crash in the first free practice session at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, Ai Ogura was forced to miss both the race in Aragon and the official MotoGP test on the following Monday.
Now everything points to the 24-year-old Japanese rider making his comeback at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Mugello – provided he passes the final medical examination on Thursday.
Ogura suffered a fracture to the upper end of his right tibia in his crash on May 23. Following arthroscopic surgery by Dr. Juan Monllau in Barcelona and intensive rehabilitation, he was not given the green light to race at Aragon. The Trackhouse team emphasized at the time that Ogura’s full recovery was their top priority, even though the disappointment at his absence was great.
Team manager Davide Brivio explained two weeks ago in Aragon: “The injury isn’t too bad, but we want to follow medical advice and not rush anything. The goal is clear: a comeback in Mugello, maybe not at 100 percent, but at least fit enough to get back on the bike.”
This hope now seems to be coming true. In a recent statement, Ogura himself appears confident: “I feel much better. I think I can ride again and compete in races. Even if I need some time to get into the weekend, I’m ready,” the Japanese rider assures us.
“I hope the medical check on Thursday goes well because I can’t wait to get back on my bike. I need that racing feeling back.”
If Ogura is unexpectedly not cleared to race, Danilo Petrucci is reportedly ready to step in for him at Mugello. The former MotoGP rider only competed in the Superbike World Championship at Misano last week.
However, the Trackhouse team is naturally hoping for Ogura’s return after competing in the last two Grands Prix with only one rider, Raul Fernandez.
