Celestino Vietti and Deniz Öncü end the 2024 preseason after three intense days of testing in Jerez.

Celestino Vietti and Deniz Öncü completed their third and final day of the Official Test at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto on Friday. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 riders worked intensely to adapt to the changes made for this season, and both made improvements on course to finishing 11th and 18th, respectively.

Vietti worked well alongside his new team and their working methods, getting acquainted with the new WP suspension and the new tyres. The Italian focused on understanding the bike and getting a good base setup for the opening rounds of the season, and even had a race simulation at a comfortable pace. Vietti rode 77 laps on Friday, with the best a 1:40.801 that put him 11th overall.

Öncü made further solid steps forward in his adaptation to the intermediate class. He confirmed his good feeling and progress on Friday, and set a steady pace, still leaving him room for improvement in the opening races. He and his team drew positive conclusions and have clear ideas on what the main aspects to get better with are, whilst his 1:41.161 lap time took him to 18th.

Vietti and Öncü will travel to Qatar next week to compete in the first race of the 2024 season, from March 8-10th at the Lusail International Circuit.

Combined Results (Day 3)
1. Fermin Aldeguer (Boscoscuro) 1:40.307
2. Joe Roberts (Kalex) 1:40.351 +0.044
3. Manuel Gonzalez (Kalex) 1:40.385 +0.078
4. Tony Arbolino (Kalex) 1:40.437 +0.130
5. Aron Canet (Kalex) 1:40.441 +0.134
11. Celestino VIetti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:40.801 +0.494
18. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:41.161 +0.854

Aki Ajo – Team Manager:
“These three days of testing were very productive for our Moto2 team here at Jerez, and luckily the weather was good. This season is very challenging for all of us, as we have new tyres. We are also going back to WP suspensions and, considering this situation, we need to be very happy with all the information that we have got with our team and riders. We are quite happy about the performance from our riders, especially their pace during the race simulation. It has been really good for both Celestino and Deniz. We feel that we are learning more and more about this new package and we are ready for the opening races.”

#13 CELESTINO VIETTI

“We have found the way to start working, so we have improved a lot since the first laps. I’m happy with the work and, also, with the team. I want to thank all the team because they are doing a great job. Obviously we can improve more, but I’m happy with the results and we have found a good base. Now I’m ready for Qatar and I will try to achieve a good result.”

#53 DENIZ ÖNCÜ

“We’ve finished testing, so now we’re ready to start the season. During these last few days I have learned a lot about the bike and how I need to ride it. Honestly, I really enjoy the Moto2 bike and we have taken some huge steps. The way we handled this test was good because now we are fast. I have room to improve, and I only want to enjoy the season, so let’s do it!”