The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider performed well in a tough race, making up seven places to finish 16th in Assen.

After two days of consistent progress, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 team completed the Dutch GP with a solid performance in the race, finishing just 0.009s off the points. Can Öncü rode at a similar pace to the riders in the front group and finally finished 16th, after a creditable comeback.

Öncü, who started 23rd, had to face the challenge of getting away from the rear of the grid, with little chance to move up at the first corner. However, the Turkish youngster managed to fight back and, by the second lap, he was up to 21st. Unfortunately, at mid race the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider had to swerve a move by another rider  and was forced to cut the chicane. This resulted into being penalised with a long lap, losing almost two seconds. The rookie pulled back again to get within range of the second group and finally finished 16th, just 0.009s off the points.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 team now travel to the Sachsenring circuit where the German Grand Prix will be held next week from 5th to 7th July.

Results (Moto3 Race)
1. Tony Arbolino (Honda) 38:03.113
2. Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Honda) +0.045
3. Jacub Kornfeil (KTM) +1.562
4. Gabriel Rodrigo (Honda) +2.158
5. John McPhee (Honda) +2.201
16. Can Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +12.796

Moto3 World Championship Standing 2019
1. Aron Canet (Honda) 107 points
2. Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Honda) 100 points
3. Niccolo Antonelli (Honda) 83 points
4. Tony Arbolino (Honda) 76 points
5. Celestino Vietti (KTM) 68 points
29. Can Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 0 points

Aki Ajo – Team manager
“It was a positive weekend for Can [Öncü]. Since the Italian Grand Prix we’ve seen great progress from him. We have to keep working in this way. The important thing is that Can continues to learn race by race. We’re very happy to see how much he has improved in the last three races. Now we have to take in everything we’ve learned here and use it for the next few races.”

61 CAN ÖNCÜ

“It was a great race. Although we were at the back of the grid, we managed to stay in the group that was within reach of the frontrunners. Unfortunately, I had to complete a long lap penalty after running wide when trying to avoid another rider. Anyway, I’m happy because we were able to come back and fight for the point scoring positions. Nnevertheless on the last chicane I made a small mistake and finished 16th. We did a solid job and we have to continue working in this way.”