The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider made it through from Q1 after finishing fourth and qualified on the sixth row for tomorrow’s race in Q2.

The changing weather conditions at Sepang on Saturday would not hinder Can Öncü, as he produced one of his best qualifying performances of the year. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider almost matched his Friday times in FP3, before finishing fourth in Q1 to make it into Q2. The Turkish youngster therefore went into the fight for the top positions on the grid and secured a solid sixth row start for Sunday’s Malaysian Grand Prix race.

Öncü made the most of the final free practice as one of the hardest working riders, completing a total of 13 laps. In addition, the 16-year-old rode consistently, getting close to his fastest Friday time and making constant progress throughout the session. Can set his personal best in FP3 on his last attempt -2:13.872-, to put him 27th on the timesheets.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo rookie therefore went into Q1, a session which saw him riding very competitively from the beginning. Finally, he ended fourth -2:12.753-, beating his time from the morning by more than a second and putting him into Q2. Although there was rain shortly before the start of Qualifying 2, Can achieved a positive 16th place -2:13.160- on the grid for Sunday’s race at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

The penultimate round of the Moto3 World Championship will see tomorrow’s 17-lap Moto3 contest commence at 12 midday local time.

Results (Qualifying session)
1. Marcos Ramirez (Honda) 2:11.758
2. Tatsuki Suzuki (Honda) 2:11.885 +0.127
3. John McPhee (Honda) 2:11.990 +0.232
4. Albert Arenas (KTM) 2:12.172 +0.414
5. Celestino Vietti (KTM) 2:12.314 +0.556
16. Can Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:13.160 +1.402

61 CAN ÖNCÜ

“Today was much better than yesterday, which is very positive for us. We’re really happy. We went through from Q1 to Q2, which for me is the most difficult part. In the second qualifying session, I had to ride alone, so I pushed to the maximum and in the end we will start in 16th place. Compared to Friday, we improved a lot and I’m very satisfied. I’m really looking forward to taking part into tomorrow’s race; I’m ready.”