The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider’s first Phillip Island race sees him finish in 16th place.

For his first ride at the demanding Phillip Island Circuit, Can Öncü wrapped up a positive weekend with a solid performance in Sunday’s race. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rookie tested his skills against the fastest riders in the category, battling with the lead group at the start of the race, exchanging positions with some of the most experienced riders. Finally, the Turkish youngster was just off the points in the Australian Grand Prix, crossing the finish line in 16th.

Can made a good start, holding onto his position on the grid in 16th as he went through the first corner. At the beginning of the race, the young Turkish talent rode with the large front group, moving up to 12th place, with some great overtaking manoeuvres. After a collision with a rival, the Red Bull KTM Ajo rookie lost contact with the leading bunch and rode in the second group. Öncü remained focused despite the high number of crashes in the final part of the contest and he ended in 16th position.

Now the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 team head for Malaysia, where the last of the flyaway triple header of races takes place next weekend, from 1st to 3rd November.

Results (Moto3 Race)
1. Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Honda) 37:45.817
2. Marcos Ramirez (Honda) +0.077
3. Albert Arenas (KTM) +0.088
4. Tatsuki Suzuki (Honda) +0.126
5. John McPhee (Honda) +0.330
16. Can Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +16.735

Moto3 World Championship Standing 2019
1. Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Honda) 254 points
2. Aron Canet (KTM) 182 points
3. Tony Arbolino (Honda) 168 points
4. Marcos Ramirez (Honda) 164 points
5. John McPhee (Honda) 147 points
31. Can Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 4 points

Aki Ajo – Team manager

“It was a good learning weekend for Can [Öncü] at Phillip Island. This type of circuits is not easy for a rider’s first visit, but it’s valuable experience for their future. I’m happy with his progress and what he did in the last two races since his injury. He was very focused and did a great job, building up good knowledge.”

61 CAN ÖNCÜ

“It was a very complicated race. We made a good start, I managed to get up front and after several overtaking moves I was holding my position. However, on the seventh lap I went onto the gravel after a touch with another rider and lost ground. Anyway, I’m happy and we have to be positive, as we did a great job this weekend. I want to thank the entire team, who have worked very hard. I hope we can keep going like this in Malaysia and continue improving.”