Jose Antonio Rueda finishes fifteenth, while Zurutuza is unable to take part in the restart through injury.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 duo had an unwelcome end to the Italian Grand Prix. After having achieved his best results this weekend, Xabi Zurutuza suffered a crash that forced a stoppage in the race and he was unable to take part in the restart. Jose Antonio Rueda finished fifteenth after having to recover from a crash caused by a collision with another rider on the first corner.

Rueda started the race from the front row of the grid, but dropped down the order off the line. He swiftly regained places, just before the race was stopped. Taking the restart from fifth position, he aimed to fight for the podium at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello. On the first corner, contact from another rider caused him to crash, although he remounted and maintained a great pace to climb up to the points positions, crossing the finish line in fifteenth.

Zurutuza began the Italian GP race from eleventh, his best position in qualifying since his debut in the class. After four laps, his race was curtailed by a big crash, requiring evaluation at the medical centre. Initial tests ruled out serious injuries, and he was transferred to the Ospedale del Mugello facility for further examination. After carrying out various tests, Zurutuza was diagnosed with a small fracture to his scapula and right humerus, ruling out serious injuries. The young rider will return to Spain today with the team to recuperate during the weeks of the break.

Red Bull KTM Ajo will return after a three-week break for the Dutch TT, from June 28th to 30th.

Results Race 2
1. David Alonso (CFMoto) 21:17.796
2. Collin Veijer (Husqvarna) +0.142
3. Ryusei Yamanaka (KTM) +1.253
4. Taiyo Furusato (Honda) +1.700
5. David Muñoz (KTM) +5.399
15. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +22.091
DNS. Xabi Zurutuza (Red Bull KTM Ajo)

Moto3 World Championship Standing 2024
1. David Alonso (CFMOTO) 143 points
2. Daniel Holgado (GasGas) 106 points
3. Collin Veijer (Husqvarna) 95 points
4. Ivan Ortola (KTM) 80 points
5. David Muñoz (KTM) 60 points
8. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 45 points
22. Xabi Zurutuza (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 3 points

Moto3 Teams World Championship Standing 2024
1. CFMoto Valresa Aspar Team – 178 points
2. Red Bull GasGas Tech3 –148 points
3. MT Helmets MSI – 136 points
4. Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP – 126 points
5. BOE Motorsports – 106 points
7. Red Bull KTM Ajo – 51 points

Aki Ajo – Team Manager
“We had good speed and pace with both of our riders during the weekend, but unfortunately today was a day to forget for our Moto3 team as Jose Antonio Rueda and Xabi Zurutuza crashed during the race. Jose Antonio was very consistent but another rider knocked him off when he was in the front positions. Finally he recovered some places and he took one point. Xabi doesn’t have a serious injury, only a small fracture to his shoulder blade and right humerus. We hope he has a speedy recovery and we hope I see him back after these weeks off.”

#99 JOSE ANTONIO RUEDA

“In the race it was difficult for us and we lost positions, but on the third lap we were able to catch up with the front group and move into fifth. Then the red flag came out for Xabi’s crash. On the restart I started better and managed to go up the outside, but then Holgado went a little long into the first corner and knocked me off. It’s a race to forget, but I am very happy with the work done this weekend and that is what I will take away. We will come back stronger.”