The High Bar Set by Pedro Acosta
Ai Ogura, Fermin Aldeguer, and Somkiat Chantra are stepping into MotoGP in 2025, following in the footsteps of Pedro Acosta, who made a spectacular debut with Tech3 GasGas in 2024. Acosta’s performance set a very high bar, and it’s unlikely that the trio will match his level of success immediately. However, all three are seasoned Moto2 race winners, and their transition to the premier class is highly anticipated. The way they integrate with the established riders and adapt to the more powerful and complex MotoGP machines will be a fascinating storyline to follow throughout the season.
Ai Ogura: The Rising Star
Ai Ogura, the 2024 Moto2 champion, is the most highly-rated rookie on the 2025 grid. Trackhouse, led by the astute team boss Davide Brivio, chose Ogura over more experienced or commercially attractive options, recognizing his immense talent. The announcement of his promotion to MotoGP in August 2024 seemed to galvanize Ogura, who dominated the second half of the Moto2 season, clinching the title with two rounds to spare. Ogura’s transition from Moto2 to MotoGP has been smoother than expected, with the 24-year-old focusing on long runs and completing two full race simulations during pre-season testing. Despite a minor crash at the start of the Sepang test and the challenge of adapting to MotoGP’s carbon brakes, Ogura’s performance, including a seventh-quickest time during a time attack, has caught the attention of his rivals. With Aprilia facing a major rider line-up shuffle and Jorge Martin missing most of the testing due to an injury, Ogura could provide a much-needed boost to the Noale-based brand.
Fermin Aldeguer: The Delayed Prodigy
Fermin Aldeguer, another highly anticipated rookie, had a tumultuous path to MotoGP. His impressive form in Moto2 in 2023, including a four-race win streak at the end of the season, attracted the attention of top teams like VR46 and Honda, who were keen to sign him for an immediate promotion. However, his contract with SpeedUp forced him to stay in Moto2 for another year. Despite this, Aldeguer’s 2024 season was still solid, with three wins and two other podium finishes. Initially slated to join Pramac, he will now race for Gresini, a team known for its family-like atmosphere, which could help alleviate the pressure on the 19-year-old. Aldeguer’s pre-season testing was commendable, and he was the fastest rookie at Sepang, only losing the title to Ogura on the final day of testing in Buriram. With a Ducati GP24 at his disposal, Aldeguer is a strong contender for the rookie of the year award.
Somkiat Chantra: A Steep Learning Curve
Somkiat Chantra’s promotion to MotoGP is a significant achievement, especially considering Thailand’s relatively recent emergence in bike racing. However, his journey to the premier class has been long and arduous, spanning six years in Moto2. His best result in the intermediate class was a sixth-place finish in the 2023 standings, and he has only won two races, including his home event in 2023 with Honda Team Asia. Given Honda’s expected lack of competitiveness in 2025, Chantra’s rookie season is likely to be a struggle. Pre-season testing was a mixed bag for the 26-year-old; while he was near the bottom of the pack, his one-lap pace was comparable to other tail-enders, which might have disappointed his critics. However, with backing from Idemitsu and support from Honda, Chantra has the luxury of time to adapt and improve.
The Impact of Pre-Season Testing
Pre-season testing is a crucial period for any rookie, and the 2025 class has shown promising signs. Ai Ogura’s focus on long runs and his ability to complete race simulations has demonstrated his readiness for the demands of MotoGP. Fermin Aldeguer’s performance, particularly his speed in Sepang, has positioned him as a strong contender for the rookie of the year award. Somkiat Chantra, while not as fast, has shown that he can hold his own in one-lap pace, which is a positive sign. The testing phase has also highlighted the importance of team dynamics and support, with Gresini’s family-like atmosphere and Aprilia’s need for a new star potentially playing significant roles in the rookies’ performances.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
The 2025 MotoGP season promises to be an exciting one, with the rookies set to add a new dimension to the championship. Ai Ogura, with his championship pedigree and smooth transition, is expected to make a significant impact early on. Fermin Aldeguer, despite the delay in his promotion, has the potential to shine with the right support from Gresini and the competitive Ducati GP24. Somkiat Chantra, while facing a steeper learning curve, has the backing and time to develop into a formidable rider. The trio’s performances will not only be a testament to their individual talents but also to the nurturing and support they receive from their respective teams. As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how these young stars fare in the premier class.
