Scott Ogden makes his debut in the MotoGP World Championship this weekend as he lines up for VisionTrack Honda in Moto3.
Having already made a name for himself on the national stage, including claiming the British Talent Cup in 2019 with ten podiums from the season’s 12 races, the 18-year-old found himself selected by Michael Laverty’s new venture for 2022.
“I started riding when I was three-years-old on a PW50,” Ogden said of his early two-wheel education. “We didn’t really move over to road racing until I was 13,” he continues modestly, despite having immediately claimed two British minibikes titles.
“I then went on to win the British Talent Cup and British Moto3 class in 2019 and it really just progressed from there!”
With the path set, Ogden now finds himself embarking on the ultimate adventure; a full season in the MotoGP paddock and the opening 18-lap race at Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit just days away.
“I’m really excited,” he admitted from the Doha paddock on set up day. “It’s been a dream of mine to lineup in the world championship so for it to happen this weekend is really special. Of course I know it’s going to be difficult but I feel we’ve got a good package.
“Preseason was perfect. We did many miles and just kept getting faster. Of course I’d have liked to be P1 but for a rookie in a brand new team, I think overall I did a good job.
“I’m adjusting fine,” he said of the move to the new team championed and overseen by Laverty but managed by Taylor Mackenzie. “The bike isn’t so much different to last year's. It’s a Honda but, well it’s still a Moto3. I brought my crew chief over from Aspar, which for me was a great decision. We have a really good relationship so it works well.
“The structure of the team is great,” he continued on the VisionTrack Honda project. “Michael has set everything up well and he has a lot of experience of what works and what doesn’t. The decision to bring Taylor in was great. With him spending a year in the world championship and also many years in the British, he is able to give me and Josh some really good advice and guide us in a good direction.”
Ogden’s arrival on the world stage coincides with the most demanding calendar ever faced by MotoGP, with 21 races on five continents scheduled across the next nine months. So how has the former Moto3 Junior World Championship race winner been preparing and what is the goal for his maiden year?
“Before the preseason started I trained really hard, so I knew I was in great shape,” Ogden confirmed. “I didn’t have much time after Portimao until we flew out to Qatar so it was more just about maintaining the fitness but also recharging to make sure I’m healthy.
“I’m hoping to finish top rookie,” he said simply. “I’ve raced against the other new riders and I’m sure they have improved over preseason, but I’ve made a jump also.”
Lights go out for the inaugural lightweight class race of 2022 at Midday UK time on Sunday 6th March with Friday’s opening Moto3 free practice on track from 8:50am.
