The 2026 motogp season has witnessed a remarkable rise of Ai Ogura the Japanese rider who has become the highest point scorer since the European leg commenced in April. Ogura’s progress in just his second season in the premier class has been nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing his adaptability and determination.
Ogura’s journey began with a promising start in the opening flyaways, where he capitalized on an improved Aprilia bike to put his 2026 troubles behind him. While other Aprilia riders faced various challenges, Ogura remained consistent, addressing his one-lap pace weakness. His qualifying woes were resolved by the Czech GP, setting the stage for his consistent front-row appearances.
Ogura’s Consistent Performance Across Europe
Ogura’s late-race pace, combined with his newfound qualifying prowess, has established him as a serious title contender against more experienced riders. His recent form has been exceptional, scoring a total of 157 points in the last eight rounds across Europe, from Jerez in April to Sachsenring in July. This impressive haul has elevated him to second in the championship standings, trailing only Jorge Martin.
The Japanese rider’s average of 19.6 points per weekend underscores his consistency and reliability. Ogura’s ability to maintain this level of performance raises questions about his capacity to handle the pressure of a title fight in his sophomore season. Nevertheless, his recent run of form has been nothing short of extraordinary.
The Resurgence of Marc Marquez
Marc marquez has also made a significant impact in the European leg, ranking second with 145 points. However, Marquez missed the Sunday race at Le Mans and the entire Barcelona weekend due to surgery. His return to action at Mugello marked a turning point, as he rediscovered the form that had been missing since his crash at the Indonesian GP last October. Since then, Marquez has been the benchmark, securing three victories in the last four grands prix and reigniting his title bid.
Marquez’s resurgence is evident in his recent performances. Over the last four rounds alone, he has scored 119 points, comfortably ahead of Ogura’s 102. This dramatic turnaround highlights the impact of his surgery and subsequent recovery. Marquez’s ability to bounce back and perform at the highest level is a testament to his skill and determination.
Other Notable Performances
Fabio di Giannantonio has demonstrated remarkable consistency, establishing himself as the third-highest points scorer in the summer. His victory in the Catalan GP was a significant milestone for his title challenge. However, a rare error at the Sachsenring, after switching to the same aero configuration as the Marquez brothers, highlighted the challenges he still faces.
Jorge Martin’s campaign has been marked by brilliant highs and frustrating lows. Despite ascending to the top of the standings during the summer, question marks remain about his form and fitness following a bruising weekend in Barcelona. Mugello was the only race where he appeared to thrive, showcasing his potential.
Raul Fernandez and Francesco Bagnaia scored virtually the same number of points, although illness and technical problems, respectively, hindered their performances. Meanwhile, Marco bezzecchi has endured a dramatic collapse in form, failing to register a single point in the last four Sunday races. His dominant victory at Mugello stands in stark contrast to his recent struggles.
The start of the European leg was crucial, as it brought Ducati back into play after Aprilia’s commanding start to the year. Since then, the advantage has swung back and forth between the two Italian manufacturers, with track characteristics playing a key role in deciding the winner each weekend.
With four more rounds scheduled in Europe in August and September following the summer break, the championship will then head to the Asia-Pacific for a stretch of five flyaway rounds. The season will conclude with back-to-back races in Portugal and Valencia at the end of November.
