After announcing the signing of Ai Ogura Trackhouse Team Principal, Davide Brivio, stated why they signed Ogura and laid out his plans for the future of the team.
Trackhouse Racing announced that they have signed Ai Ogura to a two-year deal. The Japanese rider completes their line-up as he will partner Raul Fernandez in the American team.
Trackhouse Racing Team Principal, Davide Brivio, discussed with MotoGP.com what made the team decide to take Ogura over Miguel Oliveira.
"First of all he (Ogura) is a great talent," Brivio began. "He is one of the most talented riders in Moto2. We think it is the right time for him to move to MotoGP. We have followed his performances this year and his riding style is interesting. But we will see when he gets on the bike. You have to take this decision based more on feeling and on judgements. We think he has the potential to be a good MotoGP rider."
After explaining his decision behind signing Ogura. Brivio also spoke about the Trackhouse project and why having such a young rider line-up is important.
"Having confirmed Raul (Fernandez), who is 24 years old, we wanted to have a refreshed project," Brivio stated. "We wanted to have another young rider with him to try and to build up something. We are trying to build up a team, a legacy, so it gives us an opportunity to look forward to the future."
As the satellite Aprilia team Brivio was asked if the aim for his riders was to get them into the factory Aprilia squad someday. This is something that Brivio did not seem keen on as he wants to keep the talented youngsters in his team for the future.
"To be honest we hope to keep the riders for our team, not to make them step up into a factory team! As I said we are building a project. This is the first year for Trackhouse it is a learning year. We have to gain experience and make Trackhouse understand MotoGP. Then the next two years will be years where we try to grow up and create some good pace.
"That is why I think it makes sense. Two young riders, the team has to grow up, learn, and improve all together going forward. Then I think if we are able to create a great team, a good atmosphere, maybe we will make the riders happy to stay!"
