Ai Ogura faces MotoGP performance challenges due to tyre activation

Former racer Cal Crutchlow has provided analysis regarding the performance challenges facing rising MotoGP star Ai Ogura. Crutchlow noted that Ogura, who is currently one of the lightest riders on the premier-class grid at 60kg, faces specific difficulties with tyre activation during the early stages of races.

Crutchlow compared Ogura’s riding style to that of Dani Pedrosa, suggesting that Ogura’s weight may make it harder for him to generate heat in the tyres immediately. While this can hinder his ability to push at the start of a race, it allows him to save his tyres more effectively for the end of the race. Crutchlow observed that Ogura performs better in hotter race conditions where immediate tyre heat is easier to achieve.

Ogura, who is set to join Yamaha as a factory rider next season, has recently faced setbacks including a crash at Silverstone and a fractured hand sustained in a training accident. These incidents have impacted his standing in the world championship.