The Turkish rider finishes the opening practice sessions in 23rd position.

Red Bull KTM Ajo faced the first day of the French Grand Prix on Friday with the absence of the injured Celestino Vietti, who has been declared unfit after an operation on his collarbone. Deniz Öncü will be the only rider for the team at this round, and was 23rd on the opening day.

Öncü used free practice to find a good feeling at Le Mans and consolidate the work done in the recent test. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider is increasingly comfortable and is focusing on continuing to adapt to the changes present this season. He was consistent in a very productive session. After completing 20 laps, the Turkish rider finished in 23rd with a time of 1:37.259 achieved on his penultimate lap. In the afternoon session, Öncü continued adjusting his setup and improved his morning times, whilst also reducing the distance to the frontrunners. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider set the 23rd best time with a 1:36.991, and will try to make the cut for Q2 on Saturday.

The French Grand Prix Moto2 qualifying sessions will begin at 1:45 pm local time on Saturday.

Results Practice 1
1. Sergio Garcia (Boscoscuro) 1:35.473
2. Alonso Lopez (Boscoscuro) 1:35.549 +0.076
3. Fermin Aldeguer (Boscoscuro) 1:35.765 +0.292
4. Manuel Gonzalez (Kalex) 1:35.780 +0.307
5. Joe Roberts (Kalex) 1:35.783 +0.310
23. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo)  1:36.991 +1.518

#53 DENIZ ÖNCÜ

“The first day in France is done. It was a difficult day but after free practice I was able to perform better in the afternoon session. Day-by-day I am understanding the bike better and improving my feeling on track. This evening we will work with the team to get the best posible setup for tomorrow’s qualifying sessions, and try to get closer to those at the front. We’ll keep working and keep learning, and I am positive about tomorrow.”