Jose Antonio Rueda and Xabi Zurutuza will compete in the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend.

The Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto hosts the fourth round of the 2024 Moto3 season this weekend. The Spanish Grand Prix is one of the standout events on the World Championship calendar, and will see home support for Red Bull KTM Ajo’s two home riders. Jose Antonio Rueda missed the last race after undergoing emergency surgery, but hopes to be cleared to compete, whilst Xabi Zurutuza will participate in his second Grand Prix.

Rueda was rushed to hospital during the Grand Prix of the Americas for emergency surgery to treat appendicitis. Despite not being able to ride in the race, the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider had shown a strong pace during the weekend, taking second in qualifying and being very consistent from the start. Rueda faces this weekend one of the most special appointments and arrives in Jerez eager to perform well in front of his home fans. The Spanish rider will have to pass the medical check and be able to line up for his home round, although he is feeling well and is recovering favorably. With 20 points, Rueda is seventh in the overall Moto3 standings.

Zurutuza made a promising debut at the Grand Prix of the Americas. The youngster fought his way up the order and finished his first race in the Moto3 World Championship in thirteenth position, scoring his first points in the class. The Spaniard knows the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto well, so he remains optimistic and aiming to continue growing and progressing in his rookie year. Zurutuza is currently twentieth in the standings, with 3 points.

Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 are seventh in the team standings, with 25 points. They have a win at the Spanish GP through Pedro Acosta in 2021, and in 2022 Jaume Masia was third. The Moto3 Spanish Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, April 28th, at 11:00 am local time.

Circuit information – Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto
Length: 4.4km / 2,748 miles
Width: 11 metres / 36.09 ft.
Left corners: 5
Right corners: 8
Longest straight: 6km / 0.377 miles
Built: 1986

#99 JOSE ANTONIO RUEDA

“This is the most special Grand Prix for me because I am racing at home. It was a shame not to be able to compete in the race at Austin, but I feel much better now and I am recovering well. We have to pass the medical check first, but the idea is to be able to have a good weekend in front of the home fans and continue working to get back to the top again.”

#85 XABI ZURUTUZA

“I’m really looking forward to the Spanish Grand Prix. We already have more kilometres under our belt with the team, and little-by-little we are getting more of a feeling. Jerez is a circuit that I know, so we have that starting point that will definitely help us to improve faster.”