“If I have to take a risk, I will”: Media Day from Spielberg
After an incredible weekend celebrating our 75-year legacy at Silverstone, we’ve arrived in Spielberg, where “Racing for the Future” takes center stage.
Explore the key interviews of the day, covering the latest headlines in the rider market and more. Seven riders sat down with the media on Thursday for two press conferences. In the first, Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) was joined by Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini (both from Ducati Lenovo Team), along with Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). Later, home heroes Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) were joined by Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI in Moto2™), who recently announced his move to Trackhouse Racing for 2025 and 2026.
Press Conferences: Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich
JORGE MARTIN (Prima Pramac Racing) Reflecting on his great weekend at Silverstone and his current lead in the Championship, Martin said, “It’s a nice track for many of us, especially Ducati. My target is to keep improving. Last year here wasn’t great for me, so I hope to improve and be stronger.”
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA (Ducati Lenovo Team) Discussing the Red Bull Ring, Bagnaia commented, “It’s one of the best tracks for our bike. Leading the Championship now isn’t crucial; it’s like starting from zero again. We need to be smooth and perfect to stay ahead.”
ENEA BASTIANINI (Ducati Lenovo Team) After a strong performance, Bastianini said, “I’m happy with the Sprint win, but we need to see how competitive other factories are here. I’m ready and confident for a good result.”
MARC MARQUEZ (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) Reflecting on his past performances at the Red Bull Ring, Marquez stated, “I’ve lost three victories here on the last lap. Now, riding the Ducati, I need to keep pushing and learning to get closer.”
PEDRO ACOSTA (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) Looking ahead, Acosta shared, “This track is perfect for our bike. I’m confident we can regain competitiveness in the upcoming races.”
BRAD BINDER (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) Discussing his past successes at the Red Bull Ring, Binder said, “This track suits our bike well. Despite a tough season, I’m excited to get back on track and turn things around.”
AI OGURA (MT Helmets – MSI) On his MotoGP™ dream coming true, Ogura expressed, “It’s a special feeling to join MotoGP™. I’m excited for the challenge with Aprilia and Trackhouse Racing next year.”
History Made: Ogura Becomes First ATC Graduate to Move to MotoGP™
A historic moment for the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (ATC) as Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) has become the first ATC graduate to secure a full-time MotoGP™ seat. The Japanese star will race for Trackhouse Racing MotoGP™ in 2025 and 2026.
Ogura’s journey began in the ATC during 2015 and 2016, where he claimed four race victories—one in his rookie year and three more in his second season—finishing as runner-up in 2016. He continued on the Road to MotoGP™ through the Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup and JuniorGP™ World Championship, where he won two races in each series before stepping into the Grand Prix arena in 2018.
In Moto3™, Ogura secured eight podiums over three years, coming close to winning the lightweight class title in 2020. His impressive P8 overall finish in his debut Moto2™ season set the stage for a strong 2022 campaign, where he clinched three race wins and finished second in the championship.
After an injury-affected 2023 season, Ogura switched to MT Helmets – MSI and a Boscoscuro chassis, returning to top form. His resurgence in 2024, highlighted by two more victories, has solidified his status as a title contender and earned him a promotion to MotoGP™.
As the first ATC alumnus to step into MotoGP™, Ogura’s achievement marks a significant milestone for the Cup as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Be sure to follow the rising stars at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit this weekend for Round 2, and watch Ogura’s final Moto2™ races in Austria!
Official MotoGP Press Release
