The 2018 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup runner-up will represent the team in the Junior World Championship in the FIM CEV for a second consecutive season.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo team and Deniz Öncü will once again mount an assault on the Moto3 Junior World Championship next year, after a positive first season together. The 15 year old Turkish rider, who is part of the Road to MotoGP project, will also make select wildcard appearances in the Moto3 World Championship once he reaches the minimum age of 16.

Deniz Öncü took his first steps in international racing in 2016, when he competed in the Asia Talent Cup for the first time with his twin brother, Can. The following year, Deniz won the Championship -with a total of two victories and five podiums- and finished fourth in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.

This year, Red Bull KTM Ajo and the Öncü twins made their debut in the FIM CEV Moto3 Junior World Championship. It is a competition that they have combined with their second season in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, in which Deniz was runner-up -with three victories and five podiums.

With only one round in Valencia left to end the 2018 FIM CEV season, Deniz Öncü is 13th with 39 points in the overall standings. In 2019 he will try, together with Red Bull KTM Ajo, to continue his impressive performances in the Junior World Championship, and prepare for his wildcard appearances after his birthday on July 26th.

AKI AJO – TEAM MANAGER

“We are very happy to continue this project with the Öncü twins and all of our sponsors. Next season will be the second for a project we started with the twins and, although it is still early and there is work to be done, we are already impressed with Deniz’s attitude both in races and in practice sessions.

Deniz has shown a great pace throughout the season but what we like most about him is his ability to work with the team. He is able to work as a professional rider and this will be one of his strengths next year. In addition, working with him is very pleasant, since his behaviour is very positive, he is very focused and he is very laidback. These characteristics, together with his talent and passion for what he does, guarantee that he will have a great future in the world of motorcycle racing.”

53 DENIZ ÖNCÜ

“I am very happy to continue with Red Bull KTM Ajo for another year. I want to thank the team for believing in me. This season we have worked very well, so during the winter we have to work hard to prepare for next season. The plan is to participate in some World Championship races as a wildcard when I reach the minimum age, which motivates me to train even more to be at a good level.

I have learned a lot this season; Now I know how I have to work with the team and I understand the telemetry. Most importantly, I have learned to ride intelligently, since it is not just about going out and trying to finish in the best possible position without crashing on the final laps. For next year, I want to improve my riding style, since every year the level of the series goes up even more, so it is necessary to continue growing and improving in all possible aspects in order to be competitive. I’m sure that next season will be even better than this one, and I will give my all to try to win the Moto3 Junior World Championship in the FIM CEV.”