Can Öncü completes the first of three days of Moto3 Official Test at Jerez Circuit – Angel Nieto.

The 2019 preseason got officially underway for Can Öncü and Red Bull KTM Ajo on Wednesday at the Jerez Circuit – Angel Nieto. After the winter break, the Turkish rider got back on his KTM on Monday and Tuesday of this week in a private test, and today he undertook the first of three days of the Official Test at the same circuit. The winner of the 2018 Red Bull Rookies Cup continued his adaptation to the World Championship and marked a steady progress throughout today’s sessions.

Early in the morning, Can Öncü went out on track with the aim of putting in as many kilometres as possible and continuing to learn as much as possible about his new bike. The rider and his team focused their work on the setup of the KTM Moto3 machine, testing different settings and new parts. The rookie set his best time -1:47.443- on his final stint, ending the day in twenty-second overall after 64 laps.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider will have two more days of testing at the Jerez Circuit – Angel Nieto in which he will have the chance to continue learning.

Combined Standings Day 1
1. Tony Arbolino (Honda) 1:46.153
2. Sergio Garcia (Honda) 1:46.198 + 0.045
3. Gabriel Rodrigo (Honda) 1:46.247 +0.049
4. Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Honda) 1:46.389 +0.236
5. Jaume Masia (KTM) 1:46.519 +0.366
22. Can Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:47.443 +1.290

Aki Ajo – Team manager
“This year everything will be new for Can Öncü, since last season he only competed in one Grand Prix as a wildcard. Today was his first Official Test as a permanent rider in Moto3, with all the other riders, which is very exciting for him and for us. Can is 15 years old and a great talent, but he is very young and we have to give him time to learn and to adapt to the working style of the Moto3 World Championship. We don’t want to put too much pressure on him, so we can make sure that he can grow and progress race after race.”

61 CAN ÖNCÜ
“It was a good day for us, I felt very positive. We have to continue working hard, because we still have a lot to learn. I have to become more familiar with the bike and the World Championship as a whole, and try to be more consistent. We have two more days of testing here at Jerez, which is very positive because I will have more time to adapt to the class and keep improving along with the team. If we continue working hard, then little by little we will be prepared for the start of the season.”