Deniz Öncü finishes the Dutch GP in third position, with Rueda sixth.

Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 duo had a solid Dutch GP, in which both riders remained in the front group. Deniz Öncü achieved his third consecutive podium with third place, whilst Jose Antonio Rueda enjoyed one of his best races this season and finished in sixth position.

The Moto3 race was fought in a group from start to finish. Öncü, who started from fifth place on the grid, was able to stay in the top spots and not lose sight of the front group. After the opening laps, the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider skillfully overtook on the last chicane to occupy the lead. In the second half of the contest, Öncü constantly fought for the podium positions, riding an intelligent race and a great last lap to place third, achieving his third consecutive podium this season. It was his first trio of podiums on the bounce since coming into Moto3, and puts him fifth overall with 94 points.

Jose Antonio Rueda completed one of the best weekends of his rookie season. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider made steady progress over the three days and was in good form on race day. Rueda remained in the front group from the beginning and moved into the Top 5 amidst a demanding pace and an intense tussle for positions. Despite falling back several positions, the rookie managed to recover and finished his first Dutch GP in a well-deserved sixth position. Rueda is ninth in the overall standings with 52 points.

Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 head into the summer break second in the Team standings with 146 points. The next race will be the British GP, from August 4-6th at Silverstone.

Results (Moto3 Race)
1. Jaume Masia (Honda) 34:14.619
2. Ayumu Sasaki (Husqvarna) +0.081
3. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +0.276
4. Ivan Ortola (KTM) +0.324
5. David Muñoz (KTM) +0.401
6. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +0.507

Moto3 World Championship Standing 2023
1. Daniel Holgado (KTM) 125 points
2. Jaume Masia (Honda) 109 points
3. Ayumu Sasaki (Husqvarna) 99 points
4. Ivan Ortola (KTM) 94 points
5. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 94 points
9. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 52 points

Moto3 World Championship Team Standing 2023
1. Leopard Racing 147 points
2. Red Bull KTM Ajo 146 points
3. Angeluss MTA Team 140 points
4. Red Bull KTM Tech3 127 points
5. Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP 126 points

Aki Ajo – Team manager:

Today we need to be really happy about our race in Moto3, as both riders where in the Top 6. It was a very hectic race with a big top group, and especially in Moto3 anything can happen on the final laps. In particular, here at Assen the chicane on the final corners makes things unpredictable. We need to be happy that both riders finished the race in such high positions. After the win at Sachsenring, somehow this also feels like a win, in that we collected more points and a podium. We are really happy with Deniz’ performance, the work we have done with the team and how he has improved his strategies during the races. We feel happy ahead of the summer break. Jose has improved a lot in his rookie season. In this race he was in the top group and a Top 6 result is really good for both us and for him. We are looking for consistency and the undertanding about the championship for him to learn.

#53 DENIZ ÖNCÜ

It’s really good to see how strong we are, with three podiums in a row. Here at Assen, which is one of the three circuits where I struggle a lot, I still managed to finish third. It’s very positive that we are closing in on the series leader. Now it’s time to chill a bit, go back to training during the summer and come back more motivated and stronger.

#99 JOSE ANTONIO RUEDA

I am very happy because we have finished these three weekends in a row making progress at every one of them. All the time I feel more comfortable with the bike and finishing sixth before the summer motivates me a lot. I leave Assen with a very good taste in my mouth, as it was my first time here and I really enjoyed it. It was a bit difficult for me to overtake, but I was able to recover and finish in a good position. We know that we have practically everything in place and we will continue working to fight for the podium. Now it’s time to rest a little and we will return at Silverstone feeling refreshed.