Deniz Öncü is second fastest on Friday, with Jose Antonio Rueda in ninth position.

There was a positive start for the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 team in Germany, despite changeable track conditions. Deniz Öncü was second on the timesheets on Friday, whilst Jose Antonio Rueda finished in ninth position after a Practice 2 session held in the wet.

The first Practice for the German Grand Prix got off to a dry start, although morning rain threatened to affect it. Öncü soon occupied the top positions, including leading the way at one stage. He progressively improved his times until he finished in second, with a time of 1:26.089, achieved on his 14th lap of 18. The Turkish rider carried over the form that began last weekend at Mugello. Rueda was amongst the frontrunners, kicking things off well at Sachsenring. A good feeling helped take him into the Top10,  in ninth position, thanks to a 1:27.242 on his penultimate lap.

Moto3 Practice 2 was held in the wet after a brief but heavy shower just before the start. The conditions forced the riders to take extra precautions and after a red flag that halted proceedings in the first few minutes, the Red Bull KTM Ajo duo took advantage of the opportunity to improve their feeling, aware that of the impossibility of lowering their morning times. Öncü was once again one of the fastest riders from start to finish. Despite suffering a heavy crash at Turn 11 in the closing minutes, he escaped unharmed and a time of 1.39.440 on his last lap, put him second. Rueda worked on his wet weather feeling and the rookie has managed to improve his times lap after lap. Rueda completed a total of 16 laps, and finished in 20th position, with a time of 1:41.648. With these results, Öncü finished the day in second position, while Rueda was ninth.

Moto3 qualifying sessions will begin this Saturday from 12:50 PM local time.

Results (Combined practice times FP1 – FP2)
1. Ayumu Sasaki (Husqvarna) 1:25.840
2. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:26.089 +0.249
3. Jaume Masia (Honda) 1:26.407 +0.567
4. Ivan Ortola (KTM) 1:26.673 +0.833
5. Ryusei Yamanaka (GASGAS) 1:26.841 +1.001
9. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:27.242 +1.402

#53 DENIZ ÖNCÜ

We have been at the top in dry and wet conditions and this is very positive for us. In dry conditions we still have some points to improve on the bike and, if we manage that, I can be much better that I am now. I’m really strong and I feel confident, with a good pace for the race. I still need to find the perfect feeling with the bike this weekend, but if we find this small step forward we will do well.

#99 JOSE ANTONIO RUEDA

In the first session I felt quite good. We still have to improve a bit in some sections in dry conditions, but I think we are on the right track. Now it’s time to see how the next few sessions this weekend go. Practice 2 was in the wet, and I took the opportunity to gain more experience in these situations. I am gaining more confidence with the bike to be able to go faster. We hope to be able to be at the front in any situation. Tomorrow I hope I can get a good result in QP and continue giving it my all.