Those who hoped that his first MotoGP victory would make Ogura a little more animated in front of the cameras were disappointed. Not even the recent announcement of his arrival on the official Yamaha team managed to get him to open up at the inaugural press conference for the German Grand Prix. The Japanese rider chose his words carefully, saying as little as possible.
And yet, at Assen, he achieved a remarkable feat. He became the first Japanese rider to stand on the top step of the MotoGP podium after a 22-year absence. Big celebrations back home? “Nothing different, nothing special in Japan,” he said, dampening any enthusiasm.
The important thing in these situations is not to give up. So he’s back on the attack with Yamaha. Why leave Aprilia—currently one of the best, if not the best, bikes in the field—for such a risky gamble?