Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider undertakes first two Free Practice sessions at Termas de Rio Hondo circuit.

Three weeks after the start of the 2019 season in Qatar, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 team and Can Öncü returned to action this Friday at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit. The young Turkish talent took to the Argentinian track for the first time, participating in the opening two Free Practice sessions and attempting to adapt to an unfamiliar venue.

Thanks to optimal weather conditions, Öncü was able to make the most of the 40-minute FP1 session. He put in a total of 17 laps in the morning, learning his lines and getting further acquainted with his 2019 bike. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rookie lowered his lap times steadily and eventually clocked a 1:52.662 to finish 20th.

In FP2 he continued taking steps forward and in the first half of the session he had already managed to go quicker than his best time from the morning. The rookie completed a total of 16 laps, with a 1:51.033 placing him 17th overall.

Tomorrow the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider will have a final chance to go directly into Q2. The first qualifying session for the Moto3 class will start at 12:35pm local time, followed by Q2 at 01:00pm.

Results (Combined practice times FP1 – FP2)
1. John McPhee (Honda) 1:49.892
2. Tony Arbolino (Honda) 1:49.971 + 0.079
3. Niccolo Antonelli (Honda) 1:50.061 + 0.169
4. Gabriel Rodrigo (Honda) 1:50.080 +0.188
5. Tatsuki Suzuki (Honda) 1:50.132 +0.240
17. Can Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:51.033 + 1.141

61 CAN ÖNCÜ

“This first day was positive, as we had a very good feeling. In FP1 we found it a little more difficult, because we had to solve a few small problems that arose for the first time. However, I’m more confident on the bike all the time and I feel more comfortable when riding. We ended the day in 17th overall; there is still a lot of work to do, but bearing in mind this is my first time here, we’re happy. We still have FP3 in which to try and get into Q2 directly, but if I have to go through Q1 then I’ll give my all to make the cut.”