Ai Ogura underwent hand surgery Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain, to repair a fracture near his left thumb, team officials said. The injury, sustained during a training session in Japan ahead of the Aragon Grand Prix, required surgical fixation with a plate to stabilize the bone and aid recovery.
Ogura’s surgery was performed by Dr. Xavier Mir, a noted MotoGP specialist, in Barcelona on Aug. 27, 2026, according to team officials. The team described the surgery as successful, with no immediate complications reported, and said Ogura began his recovery period immediately under medical observation in Barcelona.
The procedure involved stabilizing a fracture near Ogura’s left thumb with a surgical plate to secure the bone and facilitate healing, Trackhouse MotoGP confirmed in a post-operation statement.
The injury occurred during a training session in Japan in the two-week break between the British and Aragon Grands Prix, disrupting Ogura’s preparation for the second half of the season, according to Trackhouse and multiple motorsport reports. Upon arrival in Europe for the Aragon weekend, medical checks confirmed the fracture required surgical fixation rather than conservative treatment, forcing Ogura’s withdrawal from the Aragon Grand Prix at MotorLand Aragon. Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori was named as his replacement for the race scheduled on Aug. 30, sources confirmed.
Trackhouse officials stated that Ogura’s condition will be re-evaluated over the weekend following surgery to determine the intensity and structure of his rehabilitation program. The recovery plan will focus on restoring strength, mobility, and sensation in the thumb while avoiding stress on the fracture site, according to medical statements cited by multiple outlets. The team emphasized that although rapid rehabilitation is the goal, Ogura must receive medical clearance before returning to competition.
While no definitive return date has been confirmed, Trackhouse has expressed hope that Ogura will be fit to compete at the San Marino and Rimini Riviera Grand Prix at Misano, scheduled for Sept. 11-13, approximately 15 days after Aragon. Team Principal Davide Brivio told reporters at MotorLand Aragon that the aim is to have Ogura back for Misano, but this remains conditional on his recovery and functional testing of his hand, including grip strength and braking ability. The official team statement reiterated, “Although we hope Ai will be fit to attend the San Marino Grand Prix, at this stage it is too early to confirm.”
Ogura, 25, races with the number 79 for the SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team and is regarded as a fast and competitive rider. He has previously suffered injuries, including a fractured right tibia in 2025 that required surgery and sidelined him for several races. His current hand injury comes amid a campaign in which he is considered a title contender by Trackhouse and various media outlets. The team described his absence from the Aragon GP as a major setback for both the rider and their championship aspirations.
The fracture near Ogura’s left thumb significantly affects his ability to safely control the MotoGP bike, according to medical assessments. The surgical plate fixation is intended to provide stability during the healing process, but the exact timeline for recovery remains uncertain. Trackhouse officials noted that decisions regarding Ogura’s return to racing will be made step by step, based on clinical progress and pain levels observed during rehabilitation.
Ogura’s withdrawal from Aragon and subsequent surgery highlight the challenges riders face in maintaining fitness during the demanding MotoGP season. His recovery and potential return at Misano will be closely monitored by team doctors and MotoGP officials in the coming weeks.
