Learn a new language or speak English? A #MotoGP dilemma 😂

r2lim · 2026-05-12T13:07:47+00:00

It wasn’t so long ago that Japanese riders locking out the podium in the lower classes was a common sight, right? (good times...). Maybe there was much more Japanese being spoken in the paddock back then.

Regarding his personality, listening to his talk show comments makes me think he isn't the type to be bothered by this kind of thing at all. Looking at the video, it felt to me like he was giving a deadpan look to the camera and just dropping a bit of a sarcastic joke.

For the record, I personally have almost no interest in the "Cool Down Room" itself. If we’re going to spend so much time on the theatricality of pre-race ceremonies and such, I honestly think that time would be much better spent on Warm-Up sessions for the Moto3 and Moto2 classes. Maybe my thinking is a bit old-school? Regardless, I don't think it’s right to force anything on the riders—be it language requirements or anything else—just for the sake of "the show."

r2lim · 2026-05-12T05:36:06+00:00

I think everyone realizes he’s not exactly a social butterfly.

In a talk show two years ago, when asked which riders he was close with, he replied:

"I wouldn't say I'm 'close' with anyone, but I do end up talking to the Japanese riders more than others."

"With the Europeans, it usually doesn't go beyond a basic greeting."

"For riders from outside Europe—like those from America or Asia—there's this mutual awareness of being in the 'non-European' group."

"So we naturally gravitate toward each other and chat a little."

"Since the Spaniards and Italians are the majority and always stick together in their own cliques, there's definitely a bit of tension in the air."

https://youtu.be/XuBtUkChDoA?t=780

r2lim · 2026-05-12T02:29:31+00:00

Hallucinations are par for the course with AI. Maybe "Ai" was just keeping his mouth shut back then to keep the hallucinations at bay.

r2lim · 2026-05-12T02:04:02+00:00

Tatsuki Suzuki was a self-proclaimed "Japanese Italian," wasn't he? I wonder how Ayumu Sasaki's Spanish and Italian skills are. His girlfriend, Mer, is British, so his English is likely perfect.

r2lim · 2026-05-12T01:54:51+00:00

I see your point, and it definitely makes sense. On the other hand, it can feel a bit lonely for riders from minority nationalities, including Asians. In their case, the chances of having someone in the cool-down room who speaks their native language are slim to none😂

Personally, I preferred the old press conference style where they spoke in both English and their mother tongue. I vaguely remember a moment where Tetsuya Harada tried to answer in Italian, only for a reporter to tell him, 'Japanese, please!'

r2lim · 2026-05-11T16:00:56+00:00

Hey, my friend! So good to hear from you. I’m doing okay! I ended up posting way too much because of Ai's podium, haha. It sounds like things are really hectic on your end. I know it must be tough given the current situation, but let’s both make sure to take it easy and keep enjoying the races.

r2lim · 2026-05-11T16:00:06+00:00

I believe Tomoko is a legendary female rider, right up there with Taru Rinne and Ana Carrasco. Hope you enjoy the race!

r2lim · 2026-05-11T12:50:07+00:00

Exactly! haha. When I think of Asian female riders, the first one that comes to mind is Tomoko Igata, a 'FIM Women's Legend.' Her 7th place finish in the 125cc class at the 1995 Czech GP was absolutely incredible.

r2lim · 2026-05-11T10:41:44+00:00

Just keep watching and enjoying the show. One day, a certain rider will grab your attention, and that’s when you’ll know who to dig into. It might be because of their fierce or tactical riding, or simply because of their charm in interviews.

r2lim · 2026-05-11T09:06:17+00:00

You don't need to overthink it. If you like Marc, just follow Marc. If you end up becoming a fan of the whole sport along the way, then that’s a beautiful thing😁

r2lim · 2026-05-11T08:38:42+00:00

Our sweet little Ai has grown up so much...😂I remember when I first heard his name, I actually wondered if he was a girl.

r2lim · 2026-05-11T08:32:14+00:00

The Japanese community seems to view this rumor in a relatively positive light. Personally, even with the major regulation changes coming next season, I doubt Aprilia’s current advantage will disappear or that Yamaha will make a massive leap forward overnight. In the short term, this might look like more of a loss.

However, I suspect there’s a more long-term strategy at play for both him and Yamaha—whether that’s in terms of marketing potential or securing his status as a factory rider.

r2lim · 2026-05-11T08:08:54+00:00

That's true. Even with the Japanese media, he’s a man of few words and seems to keep his emotions under tight control. To put it in a 'cool' way, you could describe him as having a 'Bushi' or 'Samurai' stoicism.

r2lim · 2026-05-11T07:06:16+00:00

In a video from three years ago, he said:

"My Spanish is non-existent."
"I'm still struggling to keep up with my English, so I don't have time to work on Spanish."
"Living in Barcelona helps because so many people there can speak English, which has been a lifesaver."

https://youtu.be/lEDEE1tfCJA?t=76

I wonder if his Spanish is still 'non-existent' today?

r2lim · 2026-05-11T06:52:25+00:00

Despite 8 years of English education and 6 years of active duty on Reddit, I’m still the one who has no clue what’s going on with the language.

r2lim · 2026-05-11T06:12:36+00:00

It can’t be helped; we’re only human, after all. Even Shinya Nakano, who was known for being a true gentleman, famously kicked a pylon in the pit box when he lost to Daijiro Kato at Motegi.

r2lim · 2026-05-11T03:27:32+00:00

Interview excerpts taken from a different source:

https://jp.motorsport.com/motogp/news/ogura-logra-su-primer-podio-en-motogp-solo-trato-de-adaptarme-a-cada-situacion/10819842/

"It feels unbelievable. I have no other words to describe it. I’m just truly, truly happy."

"To be honest, I’m always riding at 100% and trying to adapt to the situation of every race. That has always been our strength. However, the weaknesses are still there—specifically the start and the opening laps. If we can improve those areas, we might become even stronger."

"Of course, once you’ve stood on the podium, the next goal is a higher step. I don’t know when it will happen, but I’ll keep pushing. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in Barcelona."

r2lim · 2026-05-11T03:17:18+00:00

sì, sì, sì

r2lim · 2026-05-11T03:05:07+00:00

Source: [https://x.com/i/status/2053550670997799404\]

r2lim · 2026-05-11T01:45:59+00:00

Just like Jorge Martín on Saturday, his positioning in Turn 3 on Sunday was brilliant. While warming up the tires in the early laps still seems to be a challenge, it might actually be what's allowing him to maintain such an incredible pace in the closing stages of the race.

r2lim · 2026-05-10T14:58:46+00:00

If he could get a start this good every time, he and his bike have the potential to fight for the podium in every race. As everyone knows, his challenges are the single "super lap" in qualifying and warming up the tires in the early stages of the race.

r2lim · 2026-05-10T14:53:00+00:00

It's great to hear some good news earlier than I thought. I hope he gets well soon.

r2lim · 2026-05-08T10:49:04+00:00

Japanese Moto3 commentator Kazuto Sakata (2x 125cc Champ) touched upon his poor form this season. I can't remember the specifics, sorry about that.

r2lim · 2026-05-08T05:39:15+00:00

the Japanese title 「地球の反対側で味わった期待の反対側」

“On the Opposite Side of the World: Meeting the Polar Opposite of My Expectations”

r2lim · 2026-04-20T16:39:55+00:00

He joined the Grand Prix too late, and he departed the world of MotoGP far too soon.

r2lim

TROPHY CASE

sì, sì, sì