Unlocking Victory: The Refined Art of MotoGP Tire Management
The Crucial Element for Title Contention: Tire Management
Trackhouse team principal Davide Brivio has underscored tire management as a pivotal area for Japanese rider Ai Ogura to enhance in his pursuit of the 2026 MotoGP championship.
Ogura's Standings and a Recent Setback
Ogura has emerged as a formidable contender this season, closely trailing championship leader Jorge Martin and fellow Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi. However, a recent crash at the British Grand Prix, despite a strong qualifying performance, highlighted the need for strategic improvement, particularly in conserving tires versus aggressively pushing for position.
Insights from the Rider's Perspective
Following the British Grand Prix, Ogura acknowledged his overly cautious approach, stating, "In the early stages of the race, I wanted to make sure the tires were okay and that they would last for the final five laps. But perhaps I was too conservative. The way I approached the race was wrong, this time."
Team Principal's Analysis on Tire Preservation
Brivio concurred with Ogura's assessment. In a conversation with Motorsport.com, the Trackhouse team principal elaborated on the young rider's remarkable ability to manage his tires. He noted that Ogura consistently demonstrates strong pace in the latter stages of races, a quality that often went unnoticed in previous seasons when he wasn't competing for top positions.
Evolving Race Strategy: From Caution to Calculated Aggression
Brivio further explained that while Ogura's strong late-race pace has been a consistent trait, his initial conservative approach has sometimes meant he began his attack too late. However, the team principal highlighted Ogura's capacity for learning and adapting, suggesting he is progressively refining his understanding of when to switch from tire preservation to aggressive overtaking. This ongoing development is seen as crucial for his championship prospects, emphasizing the continuous learning curve even for experienced riders.