Ai Ogura Disqualification from MotoGP Argentina Grand Prix

Ai Ogura was disqualified from the MotoGP Argentina Grand Prix due to a technical infringement involving non-approved software used by his Trackhouse Racing team. This disqualification cost him an eighth place finish and the associated points. Meanwhile, his teammate Raúl Fernández benefits from the situation, moving up in the standings. Despite this setback, Ogura has had a strong start to his rookie season.

Ai Ogura, a rookie in MotoGP, has been disqualified from the Argentina Grand Prix due to a technical infringement by his Trackhouse Racing Aprilia team. This disqualification results in the loss of his commendable eighth place finish, where he had fought hard from a 15th starting position and consequently forfeits the eight points he would have garnered from this race.

The stewards issued a statement following the grand prix at Termas de Rio Hondo, indicating that Ogura’s team employed non-approved software during the event. Specifically, they cited that Ogura’s vehicle was utilizing a “non-homologated software version (V21 b102)” that had not received the necessary approval from the Championship, which contravenes Article 2.4.3.5.3 of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Regulations.

Ironically, this exclusion benefits Ogura’s teammate, Raúl Fernández, who ascends to 15th place in the revised standings, allowing him to open his points account for the season. In contrast, Ogura has had an impressive start to his MotoGP career, previously securing a fifth place finish in the Thai Grand Prix and a fourth place in the sprint race during the first round of the season, earning a total of 17 points thus far, maintaining his position in the top eight of the points standings despite this setback.

The disqualification of Ai Ogura from the Argentina GP underscores the critical importance of compliance with technical regulations in MotoGP. Despite this setback, Ogura’s early season performance showcases his potential and skill as a rookie. His exclusion places additional pressure on his team, while inadvertently offering a lifeline to his teammate Fernández. Going forward, adherence to the rules will be essential for Ogura to continue his success in the championship.

Original Source: www.motorsport.com