Trackhouse team principal Davide Brivio admits it’s “a bit disappointing” to lose Ai Ogura next season, while revealing that they are seeking an experienced replacement for 2027.

Brivio signed Ogura early in his Moto2 title-winning season, with the Japanese repaying the team’s faith with a head-turning top Aprilia debut at Buriram last year.

Injuries interrupted Ogura’s progress, but he again started strongly in Thailand this year, remained in the top five in Brazil, and was on course for a debut podium at COTA before an engine issue halted his charge.

Just days later, news broke that Ogura is set to join the factory Yamaha team for 2027.

“It’s a bit disappointing, but everyone makes their own decisions,” Brivio told Sky Italia during FP1 at Jerez.

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“When we signed him, we took into account the possibility that after two years, he might want a factory team.

“That’s part of the deal. Now we’ll try to find a solution.”

A wide range of names have been linked with taking over Ogura’s seat, ranging from HRC’s Joan Mir to WorldSBK star Nicolo Bulega.

However, Brivio indicated the team is looking for experience rather than another rookie, which would rule out the likes of Bulega plus Moto2 title contenders Manuel Gonzalez and Senna Agius.

“I don’t think it’s the right time to invest in a rookie right now; we think having experienced riders will allow us to better exploit the bike’s potential,” Brivio said.

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Mir, who won the world championship for Brivio at Suzuki, is among those who would fit the ‘experienced’ profile.

Alex Rins – losing his Yamaha seat to Ogura – and Tech3’s Maverick Vinales are also former Brivio/Suzuki riders and proven race winners.

Should Aprilia favour an experienced Italian, the likes of Fabio di Giannantonio, Enea Bastianini and Luca Marini would fit the bill.

Meanwhile, Ogura’s departure is thought to have strengthened team-mate Raul Fernandez’s chances of a new deal.

Fernandez – who took Trackhouse’s first win at Phillip Island last year, then kicked off this season with a double podium in Thailand – is currently fifth in the world championship, one place ahead of Ogura.

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