Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 ends Jerez test with outstanding results
02/05/2023Deniz Öncü sets the best time of the day, with Rueda fourth.
This Tuesday a new test day was held at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, following the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 riders were able to work further on their KTM machines for the next races on the agenda. Deniz Öncü was the fastest rider in the class, while Jose Antonio Rueda set the fourth best time overall.
After leading during all the practice sessions and taking pole position at the Spanish Grand Prix, Öncü continued to set the pace in the test at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto. He was quickest in the opening session and was the frontrunner in the Free Practice 2, despite not being able to improve on the times set in the morning. Öncü finished the test ahead of schedule and did not participate in the third and final session of the day, although he leaves Jerez with a very good feeling after the results obtained. With a total of 40 laps to his name, he was fastest overall with a time of 1:45.263 and +0.6 ahead of the second-placed.
Rueda continued to take steps forward in his first year as a Moto3 World Championship rider. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider finished a strong fifth in the Spanish Grand Prix and this Tuesday he continued working with the team to prepare for the upcoming rounds on the calendar. Rueda was consistent throughout the day, which has allowed him to remain among the leading positions on the timesheets. The Moto3 rookie set his best time in the opening session, going quicker than his pace in the Spanish GP. Rueda finished fourth overall with a 1:46.039, after completing 65 laps.
The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 riders will return to action next week at the French Grand Prix.
Results (Combined Practice Times)
1. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:45.263
2. David Alonso (GasGas) 1:45.905 +0.642
3. Xavier Artigas (CFMoto) 1:45.973 +0.710
4. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:46.039 +0.776
5. Diogo Moreira (KTM) 1:46.050 +0.787
#53 DENIZ ÖNCÜ
“We have finished the Jerez test with very good results. We were very strong throughout the day. We tried things that I felt very comfortable with and I was fast with each one of them. Now we are looking to Le Mans with even more motivation because with the results in the Grand Prix and today’s test make it clear to us how far we are capable of going.”
#99 JOSE ANTONIO RUEDA
“The test went very well. We have been trying out things to see where we could improve and we have found several things that help us to be faster. We still need to find the right way to put it all together, but I am happy because I have learned a lot and it has been a very productive test. I am really looking forward to the next race at Le Mans and we are going to go to this next Grand Prix with confidence.”