Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 riders start race in Europe for the first time this season at the Red Bull Spanish Grand Prix, with the aim of further developing their KTM and achieving great results.

After three successful races for the Red Bull KTM Ajo team –including their first podium in Moto2– the World Championship arrives in Jerez, Spain, this weekend. The first European round on the calendar, the Red Bull Spanish GP is effectively a home race for Miguel Oliveira due to the proximity of Jerez to Portugal. Ricky Cardus, a native Spaniard, contests his home round standing in for the injured Brad Binder for the second race in a row.

Oliveira has enjoyed success at Jerez Circuit in previous seasons. It was there that he achieved his first podium with the Red Bull KTM Ajo team in Moto3 (2015), placing second in what is also his best result at the Andalusian track to date. Last season, in Moto2, the Portuguese rider did not finish the race. After three rounds this year and good results on his KTM Moto2 bike, Oliveira heads to Jerez with the motivation to perform well at what is the closest race to a home GP on the calendar: Many fans will make the short trip from Portugal to cheer him on this weekend. Preseason testing at the track will allow him to be able to start Friday with setup ideas already in mind.

For the second consecutive event, Ricky Cardus will replace Brad Binder as the South African recovers from surgery to his left forearm. The Spanish rider performed well onboard his KTM at Austin, where he finished 14th –collecting 2 points– and was among the Top 10 during most of the previous practice sessions. At the Red Bull Spanish Grand Prix, with the fans behind him, Cardus will try for another good showing. His best finish in the intermediate class at Jerez is a 13th place in 2014.

The Moto2 World Championship race will be held on Sunday, May 7th, at 12:20pm local time.

Circuit information – Jerez
Length: 4.423 m / 2.748 miles
Width: 11 metres
Left corners: 5
Right corners: 8
Longest straight: 607 m / 0.377 miles
Constructed: 1986
Modified: 2002

44 MIGUEL OLIVEIRA
“After getting sixth position in Austin, we arrive at Jerez wanting to do better. The tests there in preseason were pretty good, and I think we have a good chance to get back into the Top 5 and continue working in a positive way. The team are very motivated to do better, and so am I. Jerez is a circuit that suits my style quite well, especially with the KTM. I am very motivated to race in front of all the Portuguese fans that are going to make the trip to the circuit to accompany me at this Grand Prix. I think we can do well and achieve a good result.”

88 RICKY CARDUS
“We come into this weekend with the idea of improving the base we established at Austin, where we had a good showing both in practice and qualifying. My aim is to be able to qualify a bit higher up; we will work hard on our pace with more of a focus on the race, in order to take a step forward with respect to the Red Bull GP of The Americas. We must focus on trying things out from the opening day, gaining experience and riding with the KTM to be able to be higher up on the grid. I will treat this like a home Grand Prix, as I want to make the most of this second opportunity to enjoy this great team, this great factory, bike and crew. My goal is to be more competitive and gain experience with this great team.”