Japanese rider Ai Ogura has made the decision to withdraw from his home Grand Prix due to a hand injury.

Ai Ogura will have to watch the Japanese Grand Prix from the sidelines this afternoon as he has made the decision to withdraw from his home race.

The Japanese rider qualified in 13th place at the Twin Ring Motegi and was able to score a point on Saturday in the Sprint Race. However, the MotoGP rookie has been struggling with a hand injury that he sustained at the San Marino Grand Prix last time out.

A Trackhouse statement read:

“Following the heavy crash that Trackhouse MotoGP Team rider, #79 Ai Ogura, suffered in the early laps of the San Marino Grand Prix, Ai has been riding in Motegi with some discomfort in his right hand.

“Unfortunately, this has become more acute to the point where he has been forced to withdraw from the Grand Prix of Japan.

“While he is hugely disappointed not to be able to race for his home fans, his well-being and safety on track must be the priority.

“The team is monitoring his condition with the MotoGP World Championship medical team and supporting Ai in the recovery process.

“His participation in next week’s Grand Prix of Indonesia will be subject to a review of his progress when the team arrives in Mandalika.”

Ogura will be the second Aprilia rider on the sidelines for the Japanese Grand Prix, as he will join Aprilia Racing rider Jorge Martin, who suffered a displaced fracture to his right collarbone on Saturday.