The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 youngster was amongst the fastest riders in FP1 and FP2 at Sachsenring.

With almost no time to rest since the last race, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 team returned to action today at Sachsenring, where the first two practice sessions of the German GP took place. Can Öncü, who made another step forward at Assen, got amongst the top positions, reduced his FP1 lap time in FP2 and completed the day in 17th overall.

This morning, the Turkish youngster used his knowledge on the German track to jump straight into the Top 5 during the first half of the session. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider consistently lowered his times and, on lap 16 of a total of 19, he clocked a personal best of 1:27.270, putting him eighth in FP1, only six tenths off the fastest rider.

In FP2, Öncü confirmed his great shape at Sachsenring, improving on his best morning time. The 15-year-old produced a strong, constant pace, as he approached the top of the classification. After 20 laps, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rookie finished the session 14th – 1:27.265 -, which leaves him 17th in the combined results.

Can Öncü and the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 team have one last intense free practice tomorrow morning. The starting grid for the German GP will be decided in Q1 and Q2, at 12:35 pm and at 1:00 pm local time, respectively.

Combined practice times (FP1 – FP2)
1. Ayumu Sasaki (Honda) 1:26.526
2. Raul Fernandez (KTM) 1:26.591 +0.065
3. Marcos Ramirez (Honda) 1:26.783 +0.257
4. Jakub Kornfeil (KTM) 1:26.812 +0.286
5. Kaito Toba (Honda) 1:26.814 +0.288
17. Can Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:27.265 +0.739

61 CAN ÖNCÜ

“It was a great day for us. I know this circuit from my time in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, so I tried to use all my knowledge from previous years riding here. From the beginning we had a good feeling with the bike. Both the FP1 and the FP2 were positive, but we still have work to do if we want to be further ahead on Sunday. In comparison with other weekends, we are more consistent, so I’m happy and optimistic about QP. I’m looking forward to tomorrow, to see what we can do.”