'Ultra-aggressive' Ai Ogura praised after first MotoGP win at Grand Prix Netherlands - 'An animal when he puts that visor down'

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TNT Sports pundit Neil Hodgson was thrilled with a ruthless performance from Ai Ogura as he claimed his first-ever MotoGP full-length race victory at Grand Prix Netherlands at Assen on Sunday afternoon, while Michael Laverty noted his "ultra-aggressive" approach to the race.

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The Trackhouse rider was second in Saturday’s Sprint race behind his team-mate Raul Fernandez, but the one-two order was reversed on Sunday.

Third place went to the Aprilia factory rider Jorge Martin, who is now top of the 2026 MotoGP world title championship standings.

His team-mate, Marco Bezzecchi suffered a huge crash earlier in the race, but his team reported that he does not appear to have suffered a serious injury.

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For Ogura, he is now 25 points behind Martin in the race for the title, and appears to be one of a handful of riders who can consider themselves to be credible title challengers ahead of the second half of the season.

Speaking shortly after the race’s conclusion, Hodgson admired the Japanese rider’s success in what is only his second season in the championship.

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He said: "Can you believe it? We're not even at the halfway point of the season yet, that comes at the next round.

"Think how this championship is telescoping back together. It's wide open. There's five riders who can win it this year.

"This man's got the confidence, this man's got the momentum, And he's riding better than ever."

He went on to praise Ogura’s mentality.

Ogura showed his ruthlessness on lap 17 when Fernandez took the lead from Martin, making the most of his vulnerability by launching an attack of his own.

From there, he would go on to take the lead from his stable-mate, leaving Hodgson thrilled.

He said: "Real unassuming character, isn't he? What a lovely man he is. He's an animal when he puts that visor down.

"Ai Ogura is not sweating. Not a bead of sweat on him. It's 30 degrees out there. Look at him!"

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Hodgson was impressed by Ogura’s ability to make the most of the Aprilia bike, widely regarded as the best on the track so far this season, noting his ability to make the most of tyres in the second half of races.

"We used to have a lot of very fast Japanese riders," he answered. "This man is top of the world, winning at Assen.

"His first-ever MotoGP win in only his second season. Brilliant. His ride style suits that Aprilia, the corner speed. Then he has the skill on used tyres."

‘Ultra-aggressive’ rider

Michael Laverty was left similarly impressed by Ogura, noting that it was not just his mentality and technical skill that gave him the win, but also his physical strength in being able to handle the power of the Aprilia, despite his slight frame.

He said: "He's a consummate professional, but ultra-aggressive when he needs to be. Just plays it all down, he's so calm.

"This is the most physical race track, and somehow he manhandles that Aprilia to victory.

"He’s so understated, so calm."

Ogura 'super happy for my people'

Ogura, 25, was delighted with his win, but explained he did not want to give into hyperbole after the victory.

Ogura said: "It's just fantastic. I don't want to talk so much, because there's not so much to say, I mean, this win.

"I'm super, super happy for my people, and thanks to everybody. No, nothing more."

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