[MotoGP] Unpublished Cool-Down Room Talks Revealed, Including Ai Ogura's First Win and Marquez's "Norick" Remark

The first half of the 2026 MotoGP season has concluded, and the summer break has begun. Immediately after the intense battles of each Grand Prix, unreleased, candid, and humorous conversations between riders in the cool-down room have been revealed, sparking significant buzz.

Reflecting on the First Half of the Season! Fierce Battles from Thailand to the Netherlands

The 2026 MotoGP season saw dramatic developments right from the opening round in Thailand. In the sprint race, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) took the lead, starting as the points leader.

In the subsequent Grand Prix of the Americas, while Jorge Martín (Aprilia Racing) secured victory, machine trouble due to intense contact became a major talking point. In France, at Le Mans, Aprilia riders dominated the podium in a historic race, with Martín claiming a narrow victory.

At the Grand Prix held at Balaton Park in Hungary, Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) made a triumphant return, showcasing a dominant performance in both the sprint and the main race to reclaim the top podium spot.

And at Assen in the Netherlands, Japan's hopeful, Ai Ogura (FGR Honda Gresini), achieved his long-cherished first victory in the premier class, etching his name in history.

Riders' Unfiltered Voices: Márquez's "Like Norick" Comment and Ogura's Surprise

In the cool-down room immediately after the races, riders' true feelings were exchanged. After the Thailand GP sprint, Acosta and Márquez exchanged jokes, saying, "You're the leader until tomorrow's main race," sparking a rivalry for the next day's battle.

Regarding Acosta's damaged wing in the Grand Prix of the Americas, Martín and Bezzecchi recalled the psychological warfare in extreme conditions, saying, "His wing broke, he's finished!"

Behind the podium at Le Mans, there was a moment where Martín praised Ogura's skill, saying, "I thought I was going to lose to Ogura too!"

Márquez, after his comeback victory in Hungary, analyzed his riding style, stating, "I'm cornering in right-handers like Norick (Norifumi Abe)," drawing a parallel to the legendary Japanese rider.

Furthermore, regarding his unique post-race dance celebration, he was playfully teased by Acosta and Bagnaia, who commented, "You're too old to do that dance."

Ai Ogura, who achieved his first victory at the Dutch GP, was heard excitedly discussing his win in the cool-down room with Raúl Fernández and Martín, exclaiming, "I thought, 'How is this even possible?'" expressing his disbelief and joy.

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