Japanese rider Ai Ogura from the MT Helmets – MSI team has earned a well-deserved Moto2 World Championship title using Galfer brake components.
Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) was crowned 2024 Moto2 World Champion after a spectacular season that culminated at the Thailand Grand Prix. Ogura crossed the finish line in second place, enough to secure the championship with two races remaining in the season. This historic feat makes Ogura the first Japanese rider to win a Moto2 world championship since 2009, when Hiroshi Aoyama claimed the title in the 250cc category.
In addition to his consistency throughout the season, Ogura achieved three victories and six podium finishes, establishing himself as a reliable and steady rider in the category. This success has also allowed MT Helmets – MSI to be crowned Moto2 World Champions as a team, dominating the season in an indisputable fashion. In a season where every millisecond counted, Ogura had a unique advantage: using Galfer brake discs in a prototype version with customizable thickness and size options to meet the demands of each track and weather condition. This has allowed the brake disc weight to be minimized, reducing gyroscopic effect and enhancing the bike’s maneuverability, maximizing its performance in an especially competitive season.
Ogura, who maintained calm and control throughout the season, managed the pressure well in the Thailand race, where he started from pole but quickly had to recover positions after a challenging start. However, with a strategic and precise performance, he remained on the podium, securing the necessary points to claim the Moto2 world championship title, sealing a dream season for himself, his team, and his brake provider, Galfer.
In statements after the race, Ogura couldn’t contain his excitement: “It’s incredible, I’ve never felt so happy. All the effort, the tough moments, and the people who have supported me have been worth it.” The Japanese rider, with a mix of joy and gratitude, dedicated this achievement to his MT Helmets – MSI team and everyone who has been part of his career.
With two races still to go, Ogura and the MT Helmets – MSI team have already secured the individual and team titles, solidifying themselves as the clear dominators of Moto2 in 2024.
Galfer MotoGP World Champions
Galfer, a leading company in brake components for motorcycling, has been instrumental in the careers of many world champions. Its history on MotoGP circuits has been marked by success alongside great figures in motorcycling. In 1989, Alex Crivillé was among the first to reach the top of the podium in the 125cc category. A decade later, in 1999, Emilio Alzamora was crowned champion, also in the 125cc category, with Galfer as his ally once again.
The list of champions doesn’t end there. In 2006 and 2007, Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo won two consecutive titles in the 250cc category, and in 2010, Marc Márquez took Galfer’s name to the top in the 125cc category. Márquez repeated the feat in 2012 in Moto2 before moving up to the premier category. Álex Márquez, Marc’s brother, also won his first world championship in Moto3 in 2014, showing the value of family tradition and the reliability of Galfer brakes.
Other illustrious names who have trusted Galfer include Héctor Barberá, who won the Open category in 2015; Joan Mir, who dominated Moto3 in 2017; and Jorge Martín, who also became Moto3 champion in 2018. In 2019, Lorenzo Dalla Porta added another Moto3 title for the Leopard Racing team, continuing Galfer’s streak of success. Recently, Jaume Masià was crowned Moto3 champion in 2023, and now in 2024, Ai Ogura has made history in Moto2.
With each season, Galfer reaffirms its commitment and excellence in the world of competition, establishing itself as the cradle of champions and an indispensable ally for those aiming for the top in MotoGP.
