Jose Antonio Rueda will target the podium, while Xabi Zurutuza will finally make his debut with the team.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 team contest the third round of the 2024 Moto3 season this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, with rookie rider Xabi Zurutuza available to compete for the first time after having reached the minimum regulatory age. Jose Antonio Rueda comes off a podium finish at Portimao, and will fight to remain at the top of the standings.

Rueda had a great weekend at the Portuguese Grand Prix, and was one of the dominant forces as he fought for victory until the final metres of the race. He finished in an outstanding second position, just thousandths of a second away from his first victory in the class. Rueda finished in the Top 10 on his first time at COTA last year, and this time around he will have more experience and confidence. With 20 points, Rueda is fifth in the overall standings.

Zurutuza joins the 2024 World Championship three races in, finally able to make his debut after reaching the minimum regulatory age last weekend. Despite being the youngest rider on the grid, he is motivated to do well and to learn the demanding and technical circuit quickly for a strong start to his Moto3 career.

Red Bull KTM Ajo are sixth in the Team standings with 22 points. In 2021, they achieved victory at COTA with Jaume Masia and again in 2018 with Jorge Martin. The 14-lap Moto3 Grand Prix of the Americas race will take place on Sunday, April 14th at 11 am local time.

Circuit information – Circuit of The Americas (COTA)
Length: 5.5km / 3,426 miles
Width: 15 metres / 49.21 ft.
Left corners: 11
Right corners: 9
Longest straight: 1.200km / 3937.01 ft.
Built: 2012

#99 JOSE ANTONIO RUEDA

“COTA is a difficult and demanding circuit, but last year we did well there, so I am eager to continue in the same way this year. I am happy to arrive in Austin, as for me it is one of the best Grands Prix of the season. After the last race in Portimao we want to continue working hard and continue getting great results. Both the team and I are going to try to be strong this weekend.”

#85 XABI ZURUTUZA

“I can’t wait to get there. The wait over these two Grands Prix has been quite long, but now I can finally make my debut for the team. It will be a new and difficult circuit for me, although we have already been working to get to know it a little before arriving. We will work with the team to adapt in the best possible way and have a good start to the season.”