Carlos Ezpeleta and home hero Ai Ogura visit Japan Sports Agency ahead of Motegi Grand Prix

Ahead of the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, MotoGP Deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta and Japanese MotoGP star Ai Ogura, of the SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team, were invited to the Japan Sports Agency in Tokyo as excitement builds ahead of the weekend’s racing in Motegi.

During the meeting, senior representatives of the Japan Sports Agency expressed their support for MotoGP, the Motul Grand Prix of Japan and Ogura as he prepares to race on home soil following a history-making season.

The visit took place ahead of Round 16 of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, which will be held at Mobility Resort Motegi this weekend (2 to 4 October). Ezpeleta and Ogura met with Naoko Hirayama, Counsellor of the Japan Sports Agency, to discuss the significance of the Japanese Grand Prix, MotoGP's contribution to international sport and tourism, and the positive impact motorsport can have on local communities.

Naoko Hirayama, Counsellor of the Japan Sports Agency, said: “The history of MotoGP and motorsport in Japan is extremely rich, and we are proud to host the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi. It was an honour to welcome Carlos Ezpeleta and Ai Ogura to Tokyo to discuss how we can build on MotoGP's strong foundations in Japan and continue to grow the sport for future generations. Ai is one of Japan’s leading athletes, and we wish him every success at his home race this weekend.”

Having hosted MotoGP racing for more than two decades, Motegi welcomed over 90,000 fans to last year's Japanese Grand Prix, marking the circuit's largest crowd in five years and underlining the enduring popularity of the sport in Japan.

Carlos Ezpeleta, Deputy CEO of MotoGP, said: “Japan holds a special place in the history and future of MotoGP. It is home to some of the sport's most iconic manufacturers, a passionate fanbase, and a remarkable racing legacy that continues to shape our championship.

“We are proud to return to Motegi this weekend, and we welcome the support of the Japan Sports Agency and the wider Japanese Government as together we continue to grow the sport and bring world-class events to fans across the country.

"It is also particularly exciting to be here with Ai following his historic achievements this season, which highlight both the strength of his talent and the success of development pathways such as the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup.”

For Ogura, the visit comes as he prepares for one of the most anticipated weekends of his season. As the only Japanese rider competing in the premier class, he returns to Motegi amid a breakthrough campaign.
Earlier this year, Ogura became the first graduate of MotoGP's Moto4 Asia Cup to score a MotoGP podium, finishing third at Le Mans, before making further history at Assen by becoming the first Japanese rider since 2003 to win a MotoGP race.

Racing on home soil for the first time since achieving those milestones, the Japanese star will be aiming to continue his impressive form in front of a passionate home crowd.

Following the visit to the Japan Sports Agency, Ogura will continue his build-up to the race weekend by attending MotoGP's official Fan Festival, giving local supporters the opportunity to celebrate his historic season ahead of his home Grand Prix.

Ai Ogura, who is 6th in the World Championship leaderboard, said: “I’m very happy to receive this kind of interest from our government and I appreciate the effort Carlos is making. I think in Japanese motorsports we need to make a first step, which we did today. I think for Japanese sports and MotoGP it was important to share some ideas and information. I hope we can continue on this path and make motorsport more visible all over the county. I believe if people like Hirayama san would attend the race weekend in the future, that would be great. I’m looking forward to arrive in Motegi myself and to see all the fans there.”

The 2026 Motul Grand Prix of Japan takes place from 2 to 4 October at Mobility Resort Motegi, where fans will once again welcome the world's fastest motorcycle racing championship to one of the sport's most iconic venues.