Consistent progress for Deniz Öncü on first day of Thailand GP

04/10/2019

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider improved his times from FP1 to FP2, commencing the 15th round of the World Championship feeling positive.

The flyaway rounds of the 2019 World Championship got underway today, with the first two free practice sessions of the Thailand Grand Prix at the Buriram International Circuit. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 team and Deniz Öncü made the most of FP1 and FP2, managing to improve their best lap times from the morning in the afternoon. The young Turkish talent had a promising first day, as he began his fourth consecutive weekend of action on track.

Friday brought high temperatures and high humidity at the Thailand Grand Prix, from the early hours of the morning. However, 16-year-old Öncü handled the physical demands of the Buriram circuit well, riding in the Top 10 by the halfway point of FP1. Deniz worked hard throughout the morning session, with the aim of continuing to add up to his experience with the bike and the team. He completed more laps than any other rider in the practice, notching up a total of 20. Ultimately, the Turkish youngster finished 21st at the end of FP1 with a fastest time of 1:44.384.

In the afternoon, Deniz Öncü built on his good sensations from the first practice, reducing his morning personal best towards the end of FP2. The 16-year-old completed a total of 14 laps, recording his fastest time on his final attempt – 1:44.063. That put him 21st in FP2 and 24th overall on day one.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 have a final free practice tomorrow morning before QP. Q1 and Q2 will respectively start at 12:35 pm and 1 pm local time.

 

Combined practice times (FP1 – FP2)
1. Andrea Migno (KTM) 1:42.789
2. Tony Arbolino (Honda) 1:43.041 +0.252
3. Tatsuki Suzuki (Honda) 1:43.067 +0.278
4. Gabriel Rodrigo (Honda) 1:43.107 +0.318
5. Dennis Foggia (KTM) 1:43.210 +0.421
24. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:44.063 +1.274

 

53 DENIZ ÖNCÜ

“I enjoyed riding on the track here in Thailand again, as the last time I was here was in 2017 during my time in the Asia Talent Cup. I had previously ridden well at the circuit and now, two years later, I am back here in the Moto3 World Championship. However, I felt the track was a bit bumpier than it was before. Anyway, today we had a solid day, both our pace and our lap times were pretty good. Tomorrow we will continue to work hard, to build up on today’s feeling and fight for a competitive position in the qualifying.”

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