MotoGP Deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta and Japanese MotoGP star Ai Ogura have visited the Japan Sports Agency in Tokyo ahead of this weekend’s Motul Grand Prix of Japan, with the meeting highlighting the importance of MotoGP and motorcycle racing to Japan. Press: MotoGP

Ezpeleta and Ogura met with Naoko Hirayama, Counsellor of the Japan Sports Agency, as excitement builds for Round 16 of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship at Mobility Resort Motegi from October 2-4. Discussions focused on the significance of the Japanese Grand Prix, MotoGP’s contribution to international sport and tourism, and the potential for motorsport to create positive impacts within local communities.

The Japan Sports Agency representatives expressed their support for MotoGP, the Japanese Grand Prix and Ogura, who heads into his home event following a breakthrough season that has seen him establish himself as one of Japan’s leading motorcycle racing talents.

Japan has a long association with MotoGP and the premier motorcycle manufacturers that compete in the championship. Motegi has hosted MotoGP racing for more than two decades, with last year’s Japanese Grand Prix attracting more than 90,000 spectators – the circuit’s largest crowd in five years.

Naoko Hirayama said the Japanese Grand Prix represented an important part of the country’s motorsport heritage and welcomed the opportunity to discuss its future with MotoGP and Ogura.

“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.”

Hirayama also highlighted Ogura’s position as one of Japan’s leading athletes and wished him success for his home Grand Prix. Ezpeleta said Japan remains an important part of MotoGP’s history and future, pointing to the country’s major motorcycle manufacturers, passionate supporters and long-standing racing heritage.

“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.”

Ezpeleta added that MotoGP welcomed the support of the Japan Sports Agency and wider Japanese Government as the championship continues to develop its presence in the country.

The visit also provided an opportunity to recognise Ogura’s achievements during 2026. The Trackhouse MotoGP rider became the first graduate of MotoGP’s Moto4 Asia Cup to score a MotoGP podium earlier this year when he finished third at Le Mans.

He then made further history at Assen by becoming the first Japanese rider since 2003 to win a MotoGP race. Ogura now returns to Motegi for his first home Grand Prix since achieving those milestones and sits sixth in the 2026 MotoGP World Championship standings.

Ezpeleta also pointed to Ogura’s success as an example of the development pathways available to young riders in Asia, particularly the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup.

For Ogura, the Tokyo visit provided an opportunity to discuss the future of Japanese motorsport and the importance of increasing the visibility of motorcycle racing across the country.

“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.”

Ogura said the meeting was important for both Japanese sport and MotoGP and expressed his hope that the relationship would continue to develop, including greater engagement between government representatives and the race weekend.

Following the Japan Sports Agency visit, Ogura will continue preparations for the Motegi weekend by attending MotoGP’s official Fan Festival, where Japanese supporters will have the opportunity to celebrate his breakthrough 2026 campaign before he takes to the track for his home Grand Prix.

The 2026 Motul Grand Prix of Japan will take place at Mobility Resort Motegi from October 2-4, with Ogura carrying the hopes of the home crowd into the 16th round of the MotoGP World Championship.

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