The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider finishes in third position, with Xabi Zurutuza fourteenth.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 duo enjoyed an outstanding race at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Jose Antonio Rueda showed great race management to take third position on the last lap, whilst Xabi Zurutuza also recovered positions to place fourteenth.

Rueda started from the fourth row, and dropped down to sixteenth early on, however, he had a very good feeling and maintained a high pace that allowed him to reach the Top10 in the space of a few laps. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider was very consistent in pursuit of the frontrunners, increasing the pace even on the final laps to catch up. On the last lap he gave an extra push, despite the high temperatures and the demands experienced throughout the race, and took third position, achieving his fourth podium of the season.

Zurutuza took off from the back of the grid, but had been improving throughout the weekend and maintained a good pace from the opening laps. The rookie steadily overtook his rivals, getting closer and closer to the points amidst the tough conditions of the MalaysianGP. Zurutuza’s efforts were such that he finally crossed the finish line in fourteenth position, earning 2 points.

Due to the tragic situation with storm and flood damage that has seriously affected the Valencia region, the Valencian GP has been cancelled and the series organisers are expected to announce the date and location of the last round of the 2024 season shortly. From Red Bull KTM Ajo we want to send all our support and solidarity with those affected.

Moto3 Results Race
1. David Alonso (CFMOTO) 33:03.671
2. Taiyo Furusato (Honda) +0.088
3. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +0.411
4. Ivan Ortola (KTM) +0.996
5. Collin Veijer (Husqvarna) +1.901
14. Xabi Zurutuza (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +20.793

Moto3 World Championship Standing 2024
1. David Alonso (CFMOTO) 396 points
2. Daniel Holgado (GASGAS) 236 points
3. Collin Veijer (Husqvarna) 236 points
4. Ivan Ortola (KTM) 217 points
5. David Muñoz (KTM) 162 points
7. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 144 points
23. Xabi Zurutuza (Redd Bull KTM Ajo) 13 points

Moto3 Teams World Championship Standing 2024
1. CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team – 441 points
2. MT Helmets MSI – 337 points
3. Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP – 324 points
4. BOE Motorsports – 296 points
5. Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 – 294 points
7. Red Bull KTM Ajo – 160 points

Aki Ajo –  Team Manager:
“It was an exciting race in Moto3, in extremely hot conditions. Of course, we are very happy about the performance from Jose Antonio today, especially at the end of the race. He showed that his pace was the best on the grid, and did well overtaking on the last laps and claiming a great result, with a podium. He and the team really deserve it, after some challenging races. We are back at the top again and of course we are enthusiastic for the next race. It was also a solid race for Xabi. It was his first time at such a challenging track and in those conditions, so we need to be happy with the points he got in the race with his 14th position.”

#99 JOSE ANTONIO RUEDA

“I want to dedicate this podium to all the people of Valencia. At the beginning the race was a bit crazy, because there were a lot of people in front of me. Halfway through the race I noticed that I was suffering with the rear tyre. At such a long circuit it was difficult to manage the race, especially because of the heat. But we are finally back on the podium. Thanks to the team for the work we have done to get here. Let’s hope we can keep up this work and continue like this at the next race.”

#85 XABI ZURUTUZA

“We have finished the Malaysian Grand Prix. It was a very tough race, especially because of the heat. We fought hard, with many overtaking moves. I am very happy with the result, because I gave 100% and we are back in the points. I am happy and looking forward to the next race.”