Japan's MotoGP podium drought is over: The history behind Ai Ogura's breakthrough

Japanese rider Ai Ogura claimed third place at the 2026 French Grand Prix, marking the first MotoGP podium for a Japanese rider since Katsuyuki Nakasuga finished second at the 2012 season finale. The result ended a 14-year drought for Japan in the premier class, bringing the country's total MotoGP podiums to 94. Japan had previously accumulated 93 podiums dating back to Hideo Kanaya's first rostrum finish at the 1973 French Grand Prix.