The Italian finishes the second race of the year in the Top 10, with Deniz Öncü in twentieth position.

The Portuguese Grand Prix ended on a high note for Red Bull KTM Ajo. In a season full of new aspects, both Celestino Vietti and Deniz Öncü continued to take steps forward and improve their feeling on the bike. Vietti completed a solid race, gaining places to finish in seventh position, whilst Öncü also moved up the order to cross the line in twentieth.

Vietti took off from the fifth row of the grid, in fourteenth place. The Italian got off the line well and remained in the group, going on to gradually increase the pace, be very consistent and feel more comfortable as the race went on. In the last third, the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider gave an extra push, demonstrating all his potential and quality to stay in the Top 10, finally finishing seventh to round off a great weekend. Vietti occupies ninth position overall with 16 points.

Öncü faced a race where tyre management took on increased importance, and started from the back of the grid. Aiming to score points, he tried to maintain a consistent pace throughout the 21-lap contest. With half of the first race completed, Öncü continued to overtake and climb positions, although he ended the contest empty-handed after finishing twentieth. Working hard to adapt to the class, and consolidating his progress, he is 19th in the overall standings, with 1 point.

The Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin will be the next event for Red Bull Ajo, from April 12-14th.

Results Moto2 Race
1. Aron Canet (Kalex) 36:03.959
2. Joe Roberts (Kalex) +2.059
3. Manuel Gonzalez (Kalex) +2.610
4. Fermin Aldeguer (Boscoscuro) +3.212
5. Ai Ogura (Boscoscuro) +3.728
7. Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +7.288
20. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +26.523

Moto2 World Championship Standing 2024
1. Aron Canet (Kalex) 31 points
2. Joe Roberts (Kalex) 29 points
3. Manuel Gonzalez (Kalex) 27 points
4. Sergio Garcia (Boscoscuro) 26 points
5. Alonso Lopez (Boscoscuro) 25 points
9. Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 16 points
19. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1 point

Moto2 Teams World Championship Standing 2024
1. MT Helmets MSI – 50 points
2. OnlyFans American Racing Team – 46 points
3. QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2 – 43 points
4. Beta Tool SpeedUp – 38 points
5. Fantic Racing – 31 points
7. Red Bull KTM Ajo – 17 points

Aki Ajo – Team Manager:
“I feel that we have taken a step forward in Moto2 this weekend with both of our riders. Especially Celestino’s speed and pace in the race was quite impressive. So that’s important now, when there are many new elements for the season that we will understand more race-by-race. I am quite confident that we will be closer and closer to the top in the coming races. But, as we mentioned already before, our target is to move forward and fight in the top positions later in the season.”

#13 CELESTINO VIETTI

“We have improved a lot compared to the last race here. We managed to come home in a better position at the end of the race, so I’m happy. For sure I have to improve Qualifying, because it is crucial in order to be able to have a better race. Today we had the pace to fight for a better result and also for the podium. I need to improve on Saturdays so we can do better on the Sunday.”

#53 DENIZ ÖNCÜ

“The second race is done. We are still in a learning process with my riding style and with understanding the tyres and suspension. I want to thank my team, who are very optimistic and patient with me. I am doing my best. Step-by-step we are working to improve, to try to be at the top soon. The race in general was good, I tried to ride my own race and to catch some other riders. We are learning and taking steps forward.”