The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider concluded Q1 in 9th place and tomorrow he will start the 16th race of the year from the 8th row on the grid.

Can Öncü continued to test his physical condition as qualifying took place on a wet day at the Grand Prix of Japan. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rookie did a solid job in FP3, though none of the riders were able to improve on their Friday times due to the rain. The Turkish youngster therefore participated in Q1, ending that session in 9th position to put himself on the eighth row of the grid for tomorrow’s race.

It was a rainy start to the day at the Twin Ring Motegi, meaning that the last free practice for the Moto3 class took place in wet conditions. Knowing that Friday’s lap time would be impossible to beat in the rain, Can focused on continuing to study the Japanese track and improving his feeling, riding on the wet track. The 16-year-old adapted well and he was very consistent with his lap times. Finally, Öncü was 23rd with a 2:11.307, set on lap 8 of a total of 15.

In the afternoon, Can Öncü participated in Q1, which also took place in damp conditions. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider worked hard throughout the 15 minutes of the session. Thanks to a 2:11.547 time on his final lap he was 9th and will therefore take off from 23rd position on the grid tomorrow.

The 20-lap Moto3 race at the Grand Prix of Japan will start on Sunday at 12 midday local time.

Results (Qualifying session)
1. Niccolo Antonelli (Honda) 2:09.293
2. Alonso Lopez (Honda) 2:09.379 +0.086
3. Tatsuki Suzuki (Honda) 2:09.626 +0.333
4. Makar Yurchenko (KTM) 2:09.694 +0.401
5. Sergio Garcia (Honda) 2:09.700 +0.407
23. Can Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:11.547 (Q1 time)

61 CAN ÖNCÜ

“It was a tough day due to the weather conditions. I found it a little harder in the rain compared to yesterday. I hope tomorrow it’s dry, but if it is wet, it will be the same for everyone and I will try my best. We will start 23rd, so we will aim to get into the point scoring positions. We have to improve the bike for the race and analyze the mistakes made today. We will give our 100% at the Japanese Grand Prix contest.”