Yamaha believes Ai Ogura could help reignite Japan’s passion for motorcycles. The 25 year old became Japan’s first MotoGP race winner in 22 years at Assen and will join Yamaha’s factory team for 2027 and 2028. Yamaha MotoGP boss Paolo Pavesio says Ogura’s growing popularity could bring more attention to the sport, as he represents a Japanese rider on a Japanese factory bike.
