The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider is thirteenth on the first day at Buriram.

The Chang International Circuit host the Thai Grand Prix this weekend, and on Friday the action began on track. After Celestino Vietti was not given clearance in his medical checkup on Thursday, Deniz Öncü faces the event as the lone Red Bull KTM Ajo rider. He finished the day with a good feeling and having made progress, achieving the thirteenth best time overall.

The morning Free Practice was an opportunity for adaptation for the Moto2 rookie. Öncü demonstrated his great adaptation to the intermediate category and quickly set a good time. The Turkish rider tried to improve his times again but, with 6 minutes to go, Öncü suffered a small crash that prevented him from doing so. His 1:36.209 on his third lap placed him eleventh, very close to the Top10.

Practice 1 also took place with optimal conditions for improving his morning times. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider quickly lowered his previous pace and took up a spot in the top positions, fighting to get into the Top3. Öncü had a very good feeling in addition to his fast times, although after a pit stop his progress slowed. He finished in thirteenth position thanks to his 1:35.894 on his third attempt. On Saturday he will seek to go directly into Q2 and fight for a good position on the grid.

Qualifying for the intermediate class will begin on Saturday at 1:45 pm local time.

Results Practice 1
1. Aron Canet (Kalex) 1:35.192
2. Tony Arbolino (Kalex) 1:35.410 +0.218
3. Marcos Ramirez (Kalex) 1:35.442 +0.250
4. Jake Dixon (Kalex) 1:35.608 +0.416
5. Alonso Lopez (Boscoscuro) 1:35.632 +0.440
13. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:35.894 +0.702

#53 DENIZ ÖNCÜ

“We have finished our first day here in Thailand. It was a good day, and overall we are 13th fastest. Let’s see if we can improve the bike a little for tomorrow. I will work on my riding style as well. So, with that combination, let’s see if we can take a step forward tomorrow and then try to go directly into Q2 and get a good grid position for the race.”