The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rookie wins thrilling race at home of KTM and Red Bull, with teammate Jaume Masia in a solid fourth position.

The onset of rain and a track in uncertain conditions were not enough to deny Pedro Acosta victory at the Styrian Grand Prix, at the home of KTM and Red Bull. The Red Bull KTM Ajo talent earned his fifth victory from ten races so far in his magnificent rookie season. His teammate, Jaume Masia, finished in a hard fought fourth position. With today’s results, the structure remain leaders of the team World Championship standings in Moto3.

The race was declared wet, despite the fact that the rain had stopped shortly before the begin and a dry line began to appear on the track. Despite the difficult conditions, Acosta made a good start from the second row of the grid and claimed third place on the opening corner. Shortly after, the rookie reached second and, together with the contest leader, escaped from the rest of the pack. The two riders exchanged the lead throughout the remainder of the race and, after a very close and exciting last lap, Acosta emerged victorious.

The Styrian Grand Prix started well for Masia who, from the third row of the grid, climbed up to fourth position by the end of the first lap. With the track in a delicate state, the Spaniard avoided risks at the beginning of the contest and stuck at the head of the chasing group. Midway through the race, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider hunted down third place and made a pass with relative ease, but would concede the spot on a tight last lap to take the chequered flag in fourth.

Acosta remains leader of the Moto3 World Championship with 183 points. Masia is 5th with 85. Red Bull KTM Ajo will have a short rest before contesting the Austrian Grand Prix at the same track, from August 13th-15th.

Results (Moto3 Race)
1. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 39:45.869
2. Sergio Garcia (GasGas) +14.431
3. Romano Fenati (Husqvarna) +15.410
4. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +15.510
5. Ayumu Sasaki (KTM) +18.847

Moto3 World Championship Standing 2021
1. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 183 points
2. Sergio Garcia (GasGas) 130 points
3. Romano Fenati (Husqvarna) 96 points
4. Dennis Foggia (Honda) 86 points
5. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 85 points

Moto3 World Championship Team Standing 2021
1. Red Bull KTM Ajo 268 points
2. Santander Consumer GASGAS 168 points
3. Petronas Sprinta Racing 119 points
4. Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3 117 points
5. Leopard Racing 116 points

AKI AJO – TEAM MANAGER

“It was a very challenging race in Moto3, due to the weather conditions. I am grateful to our team and our riders for being able to remain calm despite the uncertainty we experienced on the grid, and for knowing how to make the right decisions. Both Acosta and Masia had a great performance. It was another incredible contest by Pedro, fighting until the last moment and finally getting the victory. Jaume had an intelligent Sunday, and once again showed that he is one of the leading riders in the class. In general, I am happy with the work the team did throughout the weekend.”

5 JAUME MASIA

“It was a tough race, as the track conditions were very difficult. Nevertheless, we were able to fight for the podium until the end of the contest. Unfortunately, on the final corner, when we were riding in third, they passed me and we placed fourth. Next week we will try again, with all our strength.”

37 PEDRO ACOSTA

“It wasn’t easy, as on the grid we had doubts about the state of the track. In the end, we made the right choice. Even so, the race was long, as our rival for the win didn’t make things easy and was very strong. I spent a lot of laps behind him and there were several places to pass; I tried, but it was tight. I am happy to have taken the win, especially at the home of Red Bull and KTM.”