The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider registered his best time of the weekend in Q1 and tomorrow he will head the ninth row of the grid at the British GP.

After riding at Silverstone for the first time yesterday, Can Öncü today showed that he is continuing to adapt well to another new circuit, as he improved on his Friday times. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider took part in Q1 on Saturday, finishing 11th. That result will see the Turkish youngster start the British Grand Prix from the ninth row of the grid.

In FP3 Öncü produced very similar times to those he notched on Friday, as he continued to build up his experience at the British track. On lap 8 of a total of 11, Can recorded a 2:14.280 time to finish the session in 26th position. On the combined timesheets the Turkish youngster was 28th, which meant he had to go into Q1 on his first ever race weekend at Silverstone.

In qualifying the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider did not make a pit stop during the session. Can Öncü managed to go under 2:14, setting down two consecutive 2:13 laps. His best time of 2:13.778 earned him 11th place in the Q1. The 16-year-old rookie will therefore start from 25th place on the grid.

The 17-lap Moto3 race at the British GP will start at 11:20 am local time on Sunday morning.

Results (Qualifying session)
1. Tony Arbolino (Honda) 2:11.631
2. Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Honda) 2:11.710 +0.079
3. Raul Fernandez (KTM) 2:12.112 +0.481
4. Ayumu Sasaki (Honda) 2:12.328 +0.697
5. Niccolo Antonelli (Honda) 2:12.363 +0.732
25. Can Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:13.778 (Q1 time)

61 CAN ÖNCÜ

“It was a tough day for us, we still have a lot of work to do even before the race. Qualifying didn’t go as hoped: we weren’t able to get into Q2 and fight for a better position on the grid. I hope that tomorrow there will be a large group of riders leading the race and then we can be fighting for points. The positive thing we can take from today is that the track is in a perfect condition, with a good grip level.”