MotoGP

Ai Ogura becomes first Japanese MotoGP winner since 2004 with dramatic Assen win

Motorsport Technology
4 months ago
3 min read

Ai Ogura secured a maiden MotoGP win in dramatic fashion, beating SuperFile Trackhouse teammate Raul Fernandez to the flag in Assen.

With victory, Ogura became the first Japanese winner since Makoto Tamada at the 2004 Japanese Grand Prix. 22 years ago.


In a sensational race full of intrigue and drama, Ogura made his move on Fernandez up the inside into Turn 9 with a brilliant move and held on after a dramatic fight to the flag.

Pole sitter Jorge Martin finished in third place to jump Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi in the standings but only after losing his advantage on the opening lap to the fast-starting Japanese rider.

Martin was quick to retake the lead before a battle royale ensued between the lead protagonists.

Then the first drama, championship leader Marco Bezzecchi suffering a huge off whilst closing on Marc Marquez through the fast Ramshoek Turn 15, losing control and tumbling head over heels into the gravel.

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It was a frightening accident, but the Italian was able to walk back to receive medical treatment relatively unscathed at the time of writing.

Back at the sharp end of proceedings, it was Ogura who was the man on a mission. First getting past Marquez before setting about the leaders.

Martin was next to fall on lap 17 before a battle for a final lap battle for the ages saw the Japanese finally triumph and stretch away for a historic victory.

Ogura’s win means that he is now only 25 points off the championship lead now held by Martin following Bezzechi’s DNF.

Other retirements from Francesco Bagnaia and Pedro Acosta also dented their hopes, and they sit seventh and eighth in the standings.

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