Ogura endures a nightmare Friday at home and must go through Q1

Ai Ogura endured a particularly difficult Friday in front of his home crowd. His Aprilia broke down almost immediately after leaving the pits, triggering a red flag at the start of Practice.

The Japanese rider returned to the track but could do no better than 15th. He therefore misses direct access to Q2 and will have to go through Q1 on Saturday.

The contrast with his Austrian comeback is significant, when he immediately returned to the leading group with two fourth places. At Motegi, Ogura must first secure his qualifying position before thinking about a strong home result.