The Turkish rider is contesting his second consecutive year with Red Bull KTM Ajo and, having made the jump to the intermediate class, Deniz Öncü is facing a very challenging year. The rider is currently working on returning to top form after his left hand injury. After making great progress, Öncü takes stock of his first races, his progress and his goals for the second half of the year. 

How was the first part of the season in Moto2?
“It has not been an easy start for the team, because of the changes in the suspensions, tyres and of course bringing in two new riders. Obviously, it has been difficult for me, coming into a ‘new’ team, so I needed to learn everything. Weekend after weekend I have been better understanding the bike and improving step by step. I face it as a challenge where I need to improve my performance and get closer to the front. I am really enjoying this class, this bike and the team, so I am optimistic about keeping on improving.”

What have been the hardest and easiest things to adapt to for you?
“As a team we didn’t have the necessary pace, because most of the parts of the bike were different, so we had to start from scratch. Finding the right direction was hard, because identifying the right path is always difficult. We made some mistakes, but I think we are now going the right way. The easiest thing for me was the relationship with the team. In the end, we know each other, even though we were in different classes before, it is still the same family.”

What is it like having Niklas Ajo staying on as your Crew Chief?
“Niklas is a very important person in my life now, because we have been together since 2018 and we have a very close relationship. As he was also a rider in the past, he understands my feeling with the bike and what things I need to fix . We have become like brothers, so although we are professionals where we are at the circuits, having your big brother there for you is great. He is someone I can really trust.”

What is the best advice Aki Ajo has given you this year?
“It was not actual advice as such, but I feel that he really trusts me. I have not yet got the results that the team were looking for, but we are now getting closer and closer. I have confidence about doing better, Aki supports me, and I feel that and really appreciate it.”
 

“I am really enjoying this class, this bike and the team, so I am optimistic about keeping on improving.”
 

How have you looked at previous Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 riders to improve your riding?
“Of course, I have looked at top riders because they are really good, very strong and they have won World Championships. People like Remy Gardner, Augusto Fernandez and Pedro Acosta. But the one that has the most World Championships is Aki Ajo, because of his working system and his mentality. So, for me there are very good references, but Aki has the biggest role in the team. Aki has contributed a lot to making them World Champions, so I believe he can make me a champion in the future.”

How has your recovery been and how do you feel now?
“I was really sad when I was sat at home watching the races. But this is motorsport and sometimes injuries happen. I am trying my best to recover as quickly as possible, but for sure it is not easy. My target is to return as soon as possible and, of course, be in the best shape to avoid a relapse. The operation went well and I am working hard on rehabilitation to get back on the bike soon.”

What would you like to improve in the coming races?
“When I come back, I want to start fighting to be in the Top 10 consistently. Then the Top 5 and finally podium and victories, but we need to go step by step. I want to finish this year with a podium to my name. We know we have to work hard for that, but there are still many races to go. In short, the main goal is to fight to be in the top positions.”

What are your objectives for the second part of the season?
“The main objectives are to improve my riding style and speed, as well as my pace in general. If I improve my speed, I will be faster in qualifying and therefore closer to the top spots in the race. As I said, I want to get into the Top 5 and then, once this is done, get onto the podium.”