Interview: Yuki Okura – “I want to close the gap to the world level”

Japanese motocross rider Yuki Okura is intensifying his efforts to bridge the gap between domestic competition and the global motocross elite. Supported by HRC Japan and Gariboldi Racing, Okura has recently competed in European events, including rounds of the Italian Championship at Maggiora and the ADAC MX Masters at Dreetz. These outings are crucial for gaining experience against tougher competition and adapting to diverse track conditions, which are markedly different from those found in Japan. Okura’s experience at Maggiora highlighted the challenges of racing on a fast, technical, and rough circuit with significant elevation changes, unlike the tracks he is accustomed to in Japan. Despite a difficult qualifying session that saw him start 27th, he improved during the races but felt limited by his starting positions. The subsequent weekend at Dreetz presented a new set of challenges with deep, bottomless sand that Okura found physically demanding and technically difficult, resulting in mid-pack finishes but valuable learning. The rider emphasises the broader difficulties of competing in Europe, from adapting to varying soil types and track scales to navigating cultural differences such as language and lifestyle. Okura acknowledges that Japan’s motocross scene is improving, partly due to the increasing presence of international riders, but he believes most Japanese competitors still struggle to match the pace and adaptability required on the world stage. His ambition is to continue racing in Europe during off-seasons to enhance his skills and ultimately represent Japan at the Motocross of Nations. Looking ahead, Okura’s primary target remains winning the Japanese national championship, but he is committed to using international competition as a platform for growth. He credits the support from HRC Japan and Gariboldi Racing as vital to his development, providing the resources and environment needed to focus fully on training and racing abroad. Okura’s long-term dream is to compete in the MXGP series, and his recent European campaigns are important steps towards closing the gap to the world’s best riders.