Ai Ogura explains Marc Marquez battle in Malaysia sprint, denies Aprilia team orders
Ai Ogura has outlined his tight scrap with Marc Marquez in the sprint race for the Malaysian Grand Prix, but denied he was acting under any manufacturer orders from Aprilia. The Trackhouse rider got off to a brilliant start from fourth on the grid, passing both Pedro Acosta and Marquez to jump to second. But as the leaders braked into the tight opening corner, Ogura ran wide, bringing Marquez ...…
MotoGP rider Ai Ogura detailed his intense battle with Marc Marquez during the Malaysian Grand Prix sprint race. Ogura, who started from fourth on the grid, managed to overtake both Pedro Acosta and Marquez to reach second place. However, they collided at the tight opening corner, with Marquez having to slow down and lose a place to eventual winner Pedro Acosta.
Later in the race, Ogura and Marquez had another close encounter for second place, switching positions multiple times before Ogura secured the final podium spot in fourth. Despite leading a significant portion of the sprint, Ogura ultimately finished behind the factory Aprilia team of Marco Bezzecchi.
Ogura stated, "I gained a few positions after the start. There was a little bit of a battle with Marc. We both arrived in the same corner, side by side so many times. I have to defend my position. He wanted to pass me. We just arrived in the corner like this so many times." He acknowledged that the conditions, particularly with light rain affecting the track, contributed to the tight competition.
When asked about potential team instructions from Aprilia, Ogura firmly denied any such orders, simply responding with a "no."
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