The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider has had a fast but unlucky start to his second season in Moto2, but is confident he can turn things around.

Deniz Öncü has had a much better start than in his rookie season, with six points from the first two first Grands Prix of 2025. The Turkish rider talks about what he needs to do in order to take a step up after the potential shown this winter in preseason.

Where do you think the key is to see you fighting at the front during the entire race weekend?

We were very strong during all of the preseason tests, but in the two first rounds we couldn’t show our true potential. We know where the key is for improving and to be as strong as during the winter, and we need to change that to stay at the front. We have had some difficulties during Qualifying, so if we improve that, we will be where we deserve.

In your fourth year with the team and the eighth in the factory, what does Red Bull KTM Ajo mean to you?

I have been part of KTM since my time in the CEV and Red Bull KTM Ajo since a long ago, and I think that is more than just a job, because it’s a family for me. It has always been an honour to be part of this project, and I will do all I can for this team. Of course, my goal here is always to reach the highest level and, if it’s possible, to fight for World Championships.

How are you different from when you joined the World Championship in 2019?

The biggest change since 2019 is my experience. Now I’m more capable of controlling all the situations I encounter during a weekend. For example, now I have the tools to manage a last lap fight or a difficult spell. In my first few years in the World Championship, I suffered more in this type of situation, and I used to have a lot of nerves all the time. I think the actual Deniz is a lot more experienced and cleverer than the rookie one.

“I think the actual Deniz is a lot more experienced and cleverer than the rookie one.”

What are your goals for this season?

It was great to achieve my first podium during my rookie season in Moto2. For this year, my goal is to fight as much as I can for victories and podiums. It’s important to me to become a regular in the fight for the podium positions, so we have a lot of work to do -because at the two first Grands Prix I was a little bit far off. But the season is very long, we will have a lot of opportunities and there are a lot of points to be awarded. We want to improve, to become more consistent and to score a lot of points before the end of 2025.

What role do you now have within the Moto2 structure? What do you think of your teammate, Collin Veijer?

Now I’m the most experienced rider on the team. I’ve been here for many years and it’s part of the journey to be the veteran of the team. Collin is a very talented rider, and he has a lot of strengths, as we saw during the last two years in Moto3. He has to complete an adaptation process to Moto2, which never is easy, and he needs to understand the bike and the class better, but I’m sure that when he achieves that he will be a fast rider. It’s only a matter of time.

How do you see yourself compared to last year? What has changed within you?

Compared with last year, we’re absolutely stronger. I think we are also more consistent during all of the sessions, but we have to improve in every area, and the Time Attack is the one where we have to focus more to show the improvement compared to 2024. I think we’re in good shape in terms of my fitness and the bike, especially when it comes to the races, but we must finetune some details. We’re more experienced, we understand more how the bike works and we know how to control all of the situations.

How important is it for you to be a team inside the box?

It’s good to have a great atmosphere in the garage when you have a structure with four riders. We have a very good relationship with each other. In racing terms, your first and biggest rival is always your teammate. But if you’re capable of separating life on and off the track, it’s better. I’m the type of guy who likes to have a very good relationship with everybody in every context, and it doesn’t matter for me how every other member of the team is doing, because respect and a good atmosphere are essential to working well.

After his first podium in Moto2 (Aragon 2024), Öncü is confident that he can give Red Bull KTM Ajo a lot of great moments through the season. So far, he has already led some practice sessions, and he has been fast both in terms of race pace and in the Time Attack. Öncü’s next Grand Prix appearance will be in the USA, at the Grand Prix of The Americas from March 28th-30th.