MotoGP reporter Jack Appleyard caught up with Trackhouse MotoGP team boss Davide Brivio in pitlane on Friday afternoon, and one of the topics was their 2027 line-up. The rumour mill continues around the musical chairs expected for next season, with little confirmed, but one thing Brivio would put on record is who won’t be racing with the team: Ai Ogura.
“Ai has told us he's not continuing with us next year; it's not for me to say where he's going. So yes, we potentially have one spot available for next year.”
Asked about who they’re looking to contract to replace Ogura, Brivio was also pretty open – hinting that they’re looking around the MotoGP grid with experience.
“I always like to work with rookies and to see them growing up,” says the Italian. “I feel that in the moment where Trackhouse is now, with this competitive bike, and we can try to aim for good results, it's a time to try and get an experienced rider ready to go for the podium and to maybe try and win races. It looks like the bike can allow this to happen. It's time to use this potential.”
The confirmation that Ogura will be leaving Trackhouse comes the day after Alex Rins confirmed he’d been told he would not have a place in the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team next season either. The rumour mill connects the two – but nothing is officially confirmed.