Xabi Zurutuza finishes Friday in 24th position. Jose Antonio Rueda does not participate today due to illness.

The Spanish Grand Prix did not start in the best way for the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 duo. Jose Antonio Rueda did not participate in Free Practice as he had felt unwell during the previous night, a situation that continued during the day and finally he did not go out on track in the afternoon. Xabi Zurutuza had difficulties finding a good feeling despite the changing wind and placed 24th.

Friday at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto saw Zurutuza as the only Red Bull KTM Ajo rider on track. The Moto3 rookie was riding at a circuit that he knows well after his time in other series, and is hoping for a positive weekend. Zurutuza focused on finding a  good feeling and fine-tuning his setup in the morning Free Practice, where the track conditions were very favourable. He was able to complete a total of 15 laps, achieving his best time on the 12th attempt. His 1:47.221 put him 20th. In the afternoon session, the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider was able to improve his times, although strong gusts of wind made riding difficult, also preventing him from feeling comfortable on his KTM. Zurutuza was only able to finish in 24th, thanks to a time of 1:46.708. On Saturday he will have to fight to qualify directly for Q2.

The Moto3 qualifying sessions will take place on Saturday from 12:50 pm local time.

Results Practice 1
1. David Alonso (CFMoto) 1:43.710
2. Jacob Roulstone (GasGas) 1:44.679 +0.969
3. Collin Veijer (Husqvarna) 1:44.762 +1.052
4. Daniel Holgado (GasGas) 1:44.892 +1.182
5. David Almansa (Honda) 1:45.122 +1.412
24. Xabi Zurutuza (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:46.708 +2.998
NC. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo)

#85 XABI ZURUTUZA

“The feeling was not entirely good, but we continue working to get a better sensation with the bike and adapt to it, along with my riding style. But I really want to try to improve in those aspects. Little by little we will continue learning while completing laps, to try to be in better positions tomorrow.”