The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider was fastest in the first qualifying session and, after competing in Q2, he will take off from the sixth row at the Australian GP.

There were tricky weather conditions on the second day of the Australian Grand Prix, however the rain and strong wind would not halt the progress of Can Öncü, who was the quickest rider in Q1 today. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rookie went into Q2 and qualified on the sixth row of the grid for tomorrow’s race, despite a light crash at the beginning of the session.

Today Can demonstrated his quick adaptation to the Australian circuit, as he battled against the strong wind in the last free practice session of this morning. The Turkish youngster lapped in the Top 10 throughout the practice, moving up to third towards the end. Öncü was one of the hardest working riders in FP3, completing a total of 12 laps and recording his personal best on his last attempt – 1:39.294 – to finish in 8th position.

Öncü then went into Q1, a session that was interrupted when a patch of oil on the track caused a multiple crash, in which Can was caught up. The young Turkish talent remained focused on the job at hand and ended up leading the practice – 1:44.878 -, thus moving through to Q2. The 16-year-old then went on to qualify in 16th position – 1:41.441 – for tomorrow’s race, despite suffering a light crash at turn 4 in the rain at the beginning of the Q2.

The 23-lap Australian Grand Prix Moto3 race will start tomorrow at 12 midday local time.

Results (Qualifying session)
1. Marcos Ramirez (Honda) 1:38.976
2. Aron Canet (KTM) 1:39.160 +0.184
3. Albert Arenas (KTM) 1:39.244 +0.268
4. John McPhee (Honda) 1:39.310 +0.334
5. Kaito Toba (Honda) 1:39.493 +0.517
16. Can Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:41.441 +2.465

61 CAN ÖNCÜ

“The day went pretty well. In FP3 I felt strong, pushing on each lap and riding on my own. In Q1 we also did a great job and, although it was a bit harder at the beginning, on the last few minutes I was able to push and get through to the second session. In Q2 I went out a little bit late and lost contact with the group, so then it was difficult to make a fast lap. Anyway 16th is a good position, I hope that tomorrow the race goes well so that we can get some points.”