Trackhouse rookie Ai Ogura has been disqualified from the Argentina MotoGP for using non-homologated software on his bike. Despite finishing eighth in the race after starting 15th, he faces repercussions, pushing other riders up in the rankings. Trackhouse has the option to appeal within an hour. His disqualification also aids teammate Raul Fernandez in securing a points-scoring position.
In a surprising turn of events, Ai Ogura, a rookie for Trackhouse Racing in MotoGP, has been disqualified from the Argentina Grand Prix. The disqualification stems from his bike utilizing a “non-homologated software,” which contravenes MotoGP regulations that have mandated spec electronics for all competitors since 2016. Despite a challenging start to the weekend, where Ogura qualified 15th due to a crash, he managed to finish the race in eighth place, marking a noteworthy comeback.
The specifics surrounding how Ogura’s motorcycle was equipped with the unauthorized ECU software remain unclear. The issue recalls a prior incident in 2025 when Yamaha’s Alex Rins faced penalties for using an unapproved unit that enabled access to banned GPS data during practice. Given this precedent, Trackhouse Racing retains the option to appeal Ogura’s disqualification, which must be executed within an hour of the penalty’s announcement. As of now, the team has not released a public statement regarding the matter.
Ogura’s disqualification has implications for the race standings; every rider who finished behind him will move up a position. Consequently, Pedro Acosta from KTM ascends to eighth, while Honda’s Joan Mir takes ninth place. Luca Marini enters the top ten, and Johann Zarco retains sixth place. This reshuffling also benefits Ogura’s teammate, Raul Fernandez, who moves into 15th position, securing a points-paying spot after a conflicted race involving a collision with Tech3’s Enea Bastianini that resulted in a long lap penalty.
Overall, Ogura’s disqualification at the Argentina GP raises questions not only about his team’s technical compliance but also sheds light on the ongoing enforcement of MotoGP regulations, emphasizing the strict adherence required in the sport.
Ai Ogura’s disqualification from the Argentina GP has pivotal ramifications for both his standings and the overall race results. The use of unauthorized software led to this unexpected penalty, highlighting the importance of compliance with MotoGP regulations. As the team considers appealing the decision, scrutiny on technical adherence in the sport continues to be paramount, particularly given recent precedents involving other riders.
Original Source: www.crash.net