There are theories that Trackhouse may be negotiating with other drivers to put pressure on the negotiations to sign Joe Roberts.
Moto2 starlet Ai Ogura surprisingly emerged as a top contender for the Trackhouse MotoGP seat in 2025 ahead of the British Grand Prix.
Crash.net asked Ogura at Silverstone and he grinned in response: “What I can say now is that you will have to wait for the announcement! I have nothing more to say at this point.”
“Well, if I move up (to MotoGP), there are two possibilities.”
The choice of Ogura is a surprise, as his Moto2 rival Roberts was long considered the rider with the best chance of getting the Trackhouse bike.
With Trackhouse’s rebranding this year, the team will become the only US-backed MotoGP team and Roberts could become the only US rider in the premier class.
“I would be speechless if they chose Ogura over Roberts,” Neil Hodgson told TNT Sports.
“If they wanted an experienced rider and Miguel Oliveira moved, then they should get Jack Miller because it looks like he doesn’t have a rider anymore.
“He has a lot of experience, he has ridden Ducati and KTM, he could help the project. That makes sense to me.”
“But having a rookie, Ogura? Who we consider to be super talented, by the way. But for an American team that wants to achieve what it wants with Liberty Media to spread the sport in America, you have the perfect driver in Roberts.
“He’s super talented. I know it took him longer to get to where he is now, but some riders can do that!”
Sylvain Guintoli, however, wondered if Trackhouse’s interest in Ogura could be to speed up negotiations to secure their real priority, Roberts.
“The discussions are political, also for Trackhouse,” said Guintoli.
“If the choice is clear, the team does not need any additional support to involve the driver.
“If the team is serious about adding another driver, maybe they can pull other strings to get Roberts on the team. Maybe that’s the goal.”
Raul Fernandez has already signed a new contract to stay with Aprilia’s satellite project.
But Oliveira’s future remains uncertain, although team boss Davide Brivio insisted his priority was to persuade his most experienced rider to stay.
Oliveira has been linked to Pramac Yamaha, giving Trackhouse the choice of who to entrust its free bike to.
