Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 duo finish the day in second and fifteenth position, respectively.

The Circuito Jerez – Angel Nieto received the Moto3 field this Wednesday to begin the last Official Test before the first race of 2024. Both Jose Antonio Rueda and Xabi Zurutuza performed well, improving their times and working to find the best feeling with their new bike. Rueda was just 2 thousandths of a second away from achieving the best time of the day, while Xabi Zurutuza was 21st.

Rueda made progress from the start of the day. The Spanish rider, who came off a strong test in Portimao consolidated his improvement on this first day in Jerez. A good pace allowed him to occupy the Top 10 since Session 1. However, the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider completed his best session at midday, when he set the best time of 1:44.358. In the third and final session, Rueda tried to improve his times again and, despite not achieving it, remained in the Top 3, as well as second in the combined times, just 2 thousandths of a second off the top spot after 67 laps.

Zurutuza continues to take great steps adapting to a new category. The young Spanish rider started with a good pace, working on fine-tuning his feeling with the bike and new tyres above looking for a hot lap. A heavy crash in the second session prevented him from completing the maximum number of laps possible, but Zurutuza returned in the third session to complete a positive day, in which he finished in 21st place after 47 laps and a best time of 1:46.119.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 duo will return to work on Thursday at 10:00 AM local time.

Combined Results (Day 1)
1. David Alonso (CF Moto) 1:44.356
2. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:44.358 +0.002
3. Daniel Holgado (GASGAS) 1:44.409 +0.053
4. Collin Veijer (Husqvarna) 1:44.445 +0.089
5. Adrian Fernandez (Honda) 1:44.488 +0.132
21. Xabi Zurutuza (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:46.119 +1.763

#99 JOSE ANTONIO RUEDA

“I had a very positive feelings. The weather was very good for us and we were able to try different things I think we have a setup that works quite well for us. We are going to continue working to find what suits us best. I am happy and I look strong for this year.”

#85 XABI ZURUTUZA

“It has been a day of progress, in which we sought a good setup and a good feeling with the bike. I had a crash in the second session that slowed us down a little, but I am fine and I was able to complete the rest of the day. We still have two more days of testing ahead of us, and the objective is to improve and be higher up the order.”