The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo finish Friday in 19th and 27th position, respectively.

The Spanish Grand Prix got underway this Friday at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. Celestino Vietti and Deniz Öncü started the day with a good feeling, although in the afternoon session the wind made things more difficult for the pair. They finished 19th and 27th, respectively, and will have to fight to move directly into Q2.

The Free Practice took place under optimal conditions, both on the track and in terms of ambient temperature. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo had their first contact with the Andalusian circuit and worked with afternoon timed practice in mind. Vietti made steady progress and, after a pit stop, moved into the upper positions. With a time of 1:41.109, he finished the session in a brilliant fourth position. Deniz Öncü also took strides in Jerez. The Turkish rider went out onto the track with a good feeling and a good starting point, after the positive results in the preseason test at the Spanish circuit. After a first stop, the rookie continued to improve his times, in a session in which up to 20 riders rode within the same second. Thanks to the 1:41.542 he achieved on his 13th lap of 18, he was 16th.

In Practice, high winds made things even more difficult for the intermediate class. Vietti approached this session focused on finding the strategy and setup for the weekend. However, the weather conditions affected his feeling and Vietti was unable to lower his best time. After 19 laps he was 19th, through his 1:41.703 on his 16th attempt. Öncü did not have his best afternoon in Jerez either. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider suffered the effects of the wind and was unable to improve his time either. With a 1:42.468, he was 27th.

Moto2 qualifying sessions will take place on Saturday from 1:45 pm local time.

Results Practice 1
1. Joe Roberts (Kalex) 1:40.664
2. Fermin Aldeguer (Boscoscuro) 1:40.898 +0.234
3. Sergio Garcia (Boscoscuro) 1:40.931 +0.267
4. Marcos Ramirez (Kalex) 1:40.964 +0.300
5. Ai Ogura (Boscoscuro) 1:40.993 +0.329
19. Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:41.703 +1.039
27. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo)  1:42.468 +1.804

#13 CELESTINO VIETTI

“We started the day with a good feeling, because in Free Practice we understood the bike and where we needed to work. This afternoon we tried something different but it didn’t work out. Probably the windy conditions made things more difficult and the bike worked very differently. We need to analyse the data in order to understand what will be the best setup for tomorrow and the rest of the weekend.”

#53 DENIZ ÖNCÜ

“That’s the first day finished in Jerez. We need to keep improving and searching to find where we can do better. The wind made things more difficult because the bike works very differently in those conditions. Tomorrow I will try to compete better than today and I will give my best on the track while enjoying myself at the same time.”

Xabi Zurutuza finishes Friday in 24th position. Jose Antonio Rueda does not participate today due to illness.

The Spanish Grand Prix did not start in the best way for the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 duo. Jose Antonio Rueda did not participate in Free Practice as he had felt unwell during the previous night, a situation that continued during the day and finally he did not go out on track in the afternoon. Xabi Zurutuza had difficulties finding a good feeling despite the changing wind and placed 24th.

Friday at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto saw Zurutuza as the only Red Bull KTM Ajo rider on track. The Moto3 rookie was riding at a circuit that he knows well after his time in other series, and is hoping for a positive weekend. Zurutuza focused on finding a  good feeling and fine-tuning his setup in the morning Free Practice, where the track conditions were very favourable. He was able to complete a total of 15 laps, achieving his best time on the 12th attempt. His 1:47.221 put him 20th. In the afternoon session, the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider was able to improve his times, although strong gusts of wind made riding difficult, also preventing him from feeling comfortable on his KTM. Zurutuza was only able to finish in 24th, thanks to a time of 1:46.708. On Saturday he will have to fight to qualify directly for Q2.

The Moto3 qualifying sessions will take place on Saturday from 12:50 pm local time.

Results Practice 1
1. David Alonso (CFMoto) 1:43.710
2. Jacob Roulstone (GasGas) 1:44.679 +0.969
3. Collin Veijer (Husqvarna) 1:44.762 +1.052
4. Daniel Holgado (GasGas) 1:44.892 +1.182
5. David Almansa (Honda) 1:45.122 +1.412
24. Xabi Zurutuza (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:46.708 +2.998
NC. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo)

#85 XABI ZURUTUZA

“The feeling was not entirely good, but we continue working to get a better sensation with the bike and adapt to it, along with my riding style. But I really want to try to improve in those aspects. Little by little we will continue learning while completing laps, to try to be in better positions tomorrow.”

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo is already working at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto.

After a thrilling Grand Prix of the Americas, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 team return to Europe for the Spanish Grand Prix. Celestino Vietti and Deniz Öncü move on to the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, where they completed a satisfactory preseason test earlier this year. Both riders will be looking to take a step forward and improve their results after the first races of the season.

Vietti, who was tenth at COTA, has a new opportunity to continue progressing with his new team. The Italian rider is now fully integrated and increasingly more comfortable with the new technical modifications for the class. He is looking to improve the results achieved to date this season, and with 22 points he is tenth in the overall standings.

Öncü has made a swift adaptation to the intermediate class. The Turkish rider has had to adjust to the extra challenge of new tyres in his move up, but has previous experience at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto to draw upon thanks to a positive test back in February. Having already scored his first points, Öncü is optimistic about improving his results and moving up from 21st in the standings.

Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 are seventh in the Team standings, with 23 points. Most recently at Jerez, Pedro Acosta was the winner for the team in 2023. In 2020, the duo of Tetsuta Nagashima and Jorge Martin were second and third, respectively, and Miguel Oliveira was second in 2018 and third in 2017. The 21-lap Moto2 Spanish Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, April 28th at 12:15 pm local time.

Circuit information – Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto
Length: 4.4km / 2,748 miles
Width: 11 metres / 36.09 ft.
Left corners: 5
Right corners: 8
Longest straight: 0.6km / 0.377 miles
Built: 1986

#13 CELESTINO VIETTI

“Jerez is a track at which we have tested a bit more than others, so we have more data to analyse before going out on track. It’s important to get all the details correct and I hope to improve, especially in qualifying. All the work we did in Austin was undone by the crash in QP, so we had to fight back in the race. If we improve on Saturday we can manage the race better, and from there we want to continue working in the right way.”

#53 DENIZ ÖNCÜ

“We are heading to Jerez and I’ve been trying to recover as much as possible after an intense weekend in Austin. I’m quite optimistic as we had a good preseason test there. I want to have a good race weekend and we will work hard to improve and be more competitive.”

Jose Antonio Rueda and Xabi Zurutuza will compete in the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend.

The Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto hosts the fourth round of the 2024 Moto3 season this weekend. The Spanish Grand Prix is one of the standout events on the World Championship calendar, and will see home support for Red Bull KTM Ajo’s two home riders. Jose Antonio Rueda missed the last race after undergoing emergency surgery, but hopes to be cleared to compete, whilst Xabi Zurutuza will participate in his second Grand Prix.

Rueda was rushed to hospital during the Grand Prix of the Americas for emergency surgery to treat appendicitis. Despite not being able to ride in the race, the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider had shown a strong pace during the weekend, taking second in qualifying and being very consistent from the start. Rueda faces this weekend one of the most special appointments and arrives in Jerez eager to perform well in front of his home fans. The Spanish rider will have to pass the medical check and be able to line up for his home round, although he is feeling well and is recovering favorably. With 20 points, Rueda is seventh in the overall Moto3 standings.

Zurutuza made a promising debut at the Grand Prix of the Americas. The youngster fought his way up the order and finished his first race in the Moto3 World Championship in thirteenth position, scoring his first points in the class. The Spaniard knows the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto well, so he remains optimistic and aiming to continue growing and progressing in his rookie year. Zurutuza is currently twentieth in the standings, with 3 points.

Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 are seventh in the team standings, with 25 points. They have a win at the Spanish GP through Pedro Acosta in 2021, and in 2022 Jaume Masia was third. The Moto3 Spanish Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, April 28th, at 11:00 am local time.

Circuit information – Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto
Length: 4.4km / 2,748 miles
Width: 11 metres / 36.09 ft.
Left corners: 5
Right corners: 8
Longest straight: 6km / 0.377 miles
Built: 1986

#99 JOSE ANTONIO RUEDA

“This is the most special Grand Prix for me because I am racing at home. It was a shame not to be able to compete in the race at Austin, but I feel much better now and I am recovering well. We have to pass the medical check first, but the idea is to be able to have a good weekend in front of the home fans and continue working to get back to the top again.”

#85 XABI ZURUTUZA

“I’m really looking forward to the Spanish Grand Prix. We already have more kilometres under our belt with the team, and little-by-little we are getting more of a feeling. Jerez is a circuit that I know, so we have that starting point that will definitely help us to improve faster.”

The Italian finishes the Americas GP in tenth position, with Deniz Öncü 22nd.

The Moto2 Grand Prix of the Americas saw a hard-fought battle between the riders in the intermediate category. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 pair both faced a very challenging and physically demanding race. Celestino Vietti climbed up positions to cross the finish line in tenth place, while Deniz Öncü did not have the best sensations and finished twenty-second.

Vietti started the Moto2 race from the fifth row of the grid. Aware of the need to move up the order quickly, the Italian got off the line well and moved into the fight in the main group. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider has tried to progressively overtake rivals, although the demanding race pace did not make things easy. Vietti made his moves at the right time, reaching the Top 10. After dropping back in the final laps, he recovered tenth place before the end.

Öncü faced a challenging contest in Austin. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider did not have the best feeling in Sunday’s race and tried to make up positions to reach the points. The North American track was taxing for the Turkish rider, although he gave his all and, in the second half of the race, increased his pace. He took the chequered flag in 22nd place and, whilst the result was not what he had aimed for, he continues to gain experience in the Moto2 class.

The next event on the calendar is the Spanish Grand Prix from April 26-28th.

Results Race
1. Sergio Garcia (Boscoscuro) 34:25.954
2. Joe Roberts (Kalex) +0.492
3. Fermin Aldeguer (Boscoscuro) +3.292
4. Alonso Lopez (Boscoscuro)  +6.967
5. Marcos Ramirez (Kalex) +7.102
10. Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +12.751
22. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +33.210

Moto2 World Championship Standing 2024
1. Sergio Garcia (Boscoscuro) 51 points
2. Joe Roberts (Kalex) 49 points
3. Alonso Lopez (Boscoscuro) 38 points
4. Aron Canet (Kalex) 38 points
5. Ai Ogura (Boscoscuro) 33 points
10. Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 22 points
21. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1 point

Moto2 Teams World Championship Standing 2024
1. MT Helmets MSI – 84 points
2. OnlyFans American Racing Team – 77 points
3. Beta Tools SpeedUp – 67 points
4. QJMotor Gresini Moto2 – 50 points
5. Fantic Racing – 38 points
7. Red Bull KTM Ajo – 23 points

Aki Ajo – Team Manager
“It has not been an easy start to the season, with the new tyres and new parts, as we are still collecting data and understanding everything. Saturday in particular was a positive day for us, where Vietti was fast despite his crash in Q2. Deniz didn’t have a good feeling, but he is gaining more and more experience. Today we had some issues with a loss of grip and some chatter but, as I said, it is still only the beginning. We are collecting important information about the new package and we are confident for the coming races.”

#13 CELESTINO VIETTI

“Our grid position definitely didn’t help us to do what we had wanted. We recovered some positions, we battled hard and we tried until the end to place as high up as possible. We have to continue to work like that to improve in every session, every weekend, and continue to move forward, getting closer to the riders at the front. At Jerez we will try to continue doing a good job, because it is a track that I like. I want to thank the team for all the work they did during the weekend. We have improved a lot at a circuit where I have always struggled a lot. I am quite happy but I want more, so we will try to do that in the coming races.”

#53 DENIZ ÖNCÜ

“It wasn’t the easiest weekend for me, but we take away the positives and we will continue learning and improving our riding style and the feeling with the bike. At the next race in Jerez we will try to do better than we did here. We are optimistic and we will keep on working.”

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider scores his first points after finishing in thirteenth position.

The Grand Prix of The Americas concluded this Sunday for the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 riders, with the unexpected absence of Jose Antonio Rueda in the race meaning Xabi Zurutuza was the sole representative of the team on the grid. The rookie had an outstanding performance, climbing positions from the beginning and finishing in thirteenth position.

Zurutuza was making his debut as a full-time rider in the Moto3 World Championship. He started from the last row of the grid, in 22nd place, and got off the line well to move into the points. Numerous crashes split the group on several occasions, but the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider handled the situation very well and fought to stay in the Top 15. After constant changes in positions, Zurutuza finally gained a total of 10 places throughout the 14 laps and crossed the finish line in 13th. He thus earned his first points in the World Championship.

Rueda was unable to participate in the Grand Prix of The Americas race. After taking second in qualifying yesterday, the Spanish rider began to feel unwell, undergoing further examinations and being diagnosed with appendicitis, for which he had to undergo emergency surgery. Rueda is now recovering and hopes to return home with the team as planned.

The next event for the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 team will be the Spanish Grand Prix, at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, from April 26-28th.

Results Race
1. David Alonso (CFMOTO) 31:38.427
2. Daniel Holgado (GasGas) +5.163
3. Angel Piqueras (Honda) +5.176
4. Ryusei Yamanaka (KTM) +5.676
5. David Muñoz (KTM) +13.285
13. Xabi Zurutuza (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +22.869
Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) Unfit

Moto3 World Championship Standing 2024
1. Daniel Holgado (GasGas) 65 points
2. David Alonso (CFMOTO) 63 points
3. Joel Kelso (KTM) 28 points
4. Ivan Ortola (KTM) 23 points
5. Tatsuki Suzuki (Husqvarna) 22 points
7. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 20 points
20. Xabi Zurutuza (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 3 points

Moto3 Teams World Championship Standing 2024
1. Red Bull GasGas Tech3 – 84 points
2. CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team – 83 points
3. BOE Motorsports – 46 points
4. Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP – 43 points
5. MT Helmets MSI – 36 points
7. Red Bull KTM Ajo – 25 points

Aki Ajo – Team Manager:

“It was a shame that Rueda couldn’t ride today, but it was really good that the doctor found the problem early and everything went well with the surgery. Now we need to focus on a quick recovery for him to be back soon. Xabi had a very special weekend here in Austin, as it was his first Grand Prix ever. I have to say that he rode the race very well, fighting with more experienced riders. He did a good job, taking his first points, and the next steps will be to continue working and progressing this season.”

#85 XABI ZURUTUZA

“It was a pretty hectic race, but I had a great time. This circuit is incredible, very long, with many corners, and especially on the straights there is a lot of contact with the rest of the riders because the slipstream plays a big part. It has been a bit of a tough weekend, but with hard work we have been able to get through it. We finished it in the best possible way, taking points, which was my goal at the beginning of the weekend. At the next GP we will try to qualify better, since we started from very far back. Many thanks to the team for the great work they have done.”

The Moto3 rider underwent successful surgery last night after being diagnosed with appendicitis.

Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider Jose Antonio Rueda has been diagnosed with appendicitis during the Grand Prix of the Americas and has been forced to undergo surgery, missing the third race of the season.

The Spanish rider began to feel unwell after the qualifying sessions and, after initial care at the circuit’s Medical Center, he was transferred to the Dell Seton Medical Center in Austin for further examinations. After confirming the result, Rueda underwent surgery this Saturday with a satisfactory result. Red Bull KTM Ajo would like to thank Dr. Angel Charte and the medical services for their quick assistance.

Speedy recovery, Rueda!

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo will start the race from fifth and seventh row, respectively.

Celestino Vietti and Deniz Öncü completed the second day of the Grand Prix of the Americas this Saturday. The Red Bull KTM Ajo pair were both obliged to go through Q1, although only the Italian was able to progress to Q2 thereafter. Vietti finished in 15th place after recovering from a crash, while Deniz Öncü was 21st.

Practice 2 was the final chance to go straight into Q2, and Vietti and Öncü had a good feeling and took a step forward compared to Friday. The Italian had set the Top 14 as his main objective and was in the fight until the closing stages. After 11 laps, Vietti clocked his best time on his ninth attempt, with a 2:08.325 which placed him 16th. Öncü continued to increase his confidence, which was reflected in his faster times; he was 2 seconds quicker than on Friday. Despite this, a 20th place thanks to a 2:08.646 on his third lap of 11 meant he would join his teammate in Q1.

In Q1, the pair had to work hard to compete for the rows high up the grid. Vietti challenged from start to finish, and clocked the best time of the session, to move into Q2. There, he suffered an early crash but rejoined the session in the closing stages, putting in two laps. His 2:08.311 was 15th fastest, putting him on the fifth row. Öncü had some difficulties in Q1 and, whilst close, would not place in the Top 4. Thus, he will begin the race in Austin in 21st position through a 2:08.646 on his third lap of 11.

The Moto2 race at the Grand Prix of the Americas will take place on Sunday and will begin at 12:15 pm local time.

Results Qualifying
1. Aron Canet (Kalex) 2:07.631
2. Fermin Aldeguer (Boscoscuro) 2:07.740 +0.109
3. Sergio Garcia (Boscoscuro) 2:07.819 +0.188
4. Albert Arenas (Kalex) 2:07.865 +0.234
5. Joe Roberts (Kalex) 2:07.868 +0.237
15. Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:08.311 +0.680
21. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:08.601 +0.804 *Q1 Time

#13 CELESTINO VIETTI

“It was a positive Saturday because we have improved a lot compared to yesterday, especially at Turn 1, which was where I struggled the most before. I think we need to work more there to be more consistent. In qualifying I felt very good. We had a very good Q1 but on the first laps of Q2 I made some mistakes and that didn’t help me when trying to set a good lap time. The feeling was quite good and I think we can have a good race tomorrow. We will need to get a good start and to be as close as possible to the riders at the front, and then we will see how the tyres hold up. After QP I can say it was a positive day and we need to be positive for tomorrow.”

#53 DENIZ ÖNCÜ

“For some reason I couldn’t set a better lap time in the qualifying, but we will see how I can manage in the race. We can continue to progress, we just have to keep working and giving our best. I have confidence in myself and in the team. I’ll give it my all and try to finish the weekend in the best way possible, scoring more points if I can. It’s nice to race here in COTA, it’s a funny circuit and I’m enjoying myself a lot, so let’s hope we can perform at our best.”

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider is second in qualifying, while Xabi Zurutuza will start from 23rd.

Saturday featured qualifying for the Grand Prix of the Americas, and Jose Antonio Rueda missed out on pole position by just 0.017. The Spanish rider will start from the second position and still has not left the first row of the grid this season. Xabi Zurutuza faced a challenging qualifying session and, after going into Q1, he was 23rd.

Saturday morning temperatures were lower than on the previous day and the Moto3 riders competed in Practice 2 for direct access to Q2. Rueda, who finished among the Top 14 on Friday, worked in search of the best setup for qualifying. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider improved his times, dropping below the 2:15 mark and fighting for the top spots. After 11 laps, Rueda finished seventh with a 2:14.720, clocked on his ninth lap. Zurutuza worked with his teammate to continue gaining pace and confidence in Austin. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rookie cut a second off his quickest time from Friday, but nevertheless was unable to make the cut for Q2 and with a time of 2:15.830 he was 24th.

Zurutuza went into Q1 and fought to climb up the order from the beginning, although lap times in general were somewhat slower than in the morning. His best time was a 2:17.818 for ninth position, and as such he will start his first race in the Moto3 World Championship from 23rd. In Q2, Rueda was the first to set the pace, although his rivals quickly joined in the fight. He once again proved to be one of the most consistent and competitive riders on the grid and ran a pace faster than the circuit record, although finally that lap was cancelled for exceeding the track limits. On his last attempt, Rueda took the top spot again thanks to a 2:14.309, but was usurped in the closing moments by just +0.017. Tomorrow he will start the race in second position, on the front row for the third consecutive time.

The 14-lap Moto3 Grand Prix of the Americas race takes place on Sunday at 11 am local time.

Results Qualifying
1. David Alonso (CFMoto) 2:14.292
2. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:14.309 +0.017
3. Daniel Holgado (GasGas) 2:14.487 +0.195
4. Collin Veijer (Husqvarna) 2:14.574 +0.282
5. Joel Kelso (KTM) 2:14.800 +0.508
23. Xabi Zurutuza (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:17.818 +2.547 *Q1 Time

#99 JOSE ANTONIO RUEDA

“On the last braking section on the long right hander, I lost the rear and lost a little time because of that. I attacked the next corner and by going so fast I hit the green, which is why my lap was cancelled. On the next lap I was a little more relaxed so as not to make any mistakes. In the end I’m very happy to be on the front row again and we’ll see how it goes tomorrow. This season I have achieved something that was difficult for us last season, which is to be fast over a single lap. I’m happy to have improved in that aspect.”

#85 XABI ZURUTUZA

“It was a bittersweet day, but we have been learning. Q1 didn’t go as we expected, since the plan we had didn’t work at all. But I’m really looking forward to tomorrow and my first Moto3 race. We will see how it goes. Our goal is to continue learning and enjoying ourselves, but I am very excited about Sunday.”

Celestino Vietti finishes in seventh position, with Deniz Öncü in 25th.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 duo kicked off the Grand Prix of the Americas at the demanding COTA circuit. The North American track, one of the most challenging of the calendar, has forced Celestino Vietti and Deniz Öncü to give an extra on this day. The Italian rider managed to finish in the top 10, with the seventh fastest time. Öncü, who was 25th, has improved his feelings and seems more and more comfortable in the new category.

The morning Free Practice was the first outing on track for the Moto2 riders. Vietti focused on finding a good base to work on throughout the weekend, especially ahead of qualifying and the race, since tyre management will be an important element this weekend. The Italian took a big step forward, attempting to get into the Top 3. Finally, he placed fourth thanks to his 2:09.631 achieved on his last lap. Öncü continues working on improving his feeling with his Moto2 bike in each session. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider had a very good start and felt increasingly more comfortable. After putting in 14 laps, Öncü set his best time on his last attempt, and his 2:10.210 placed him in fourteenth position, as the best rookie of the day.

The afternoon session was another opportunity for the Moto2 team to continue progressing in Austin. Vietti looked for a setup that will allow him to be as competitive as possible. He was able to improve his times quickly, until he took seventh position with 2:09.006. He remains in the provisional Q2 positions. Öncü took advantage of every opportunity to gain experience but was not able to lower his times, as he suffered a big crash at Turn 9. Speedy work from his team meant he returned to the track in the closing minutes to finish 25th.

The Moto2 qualifying sessions will take place on Saturday from 1:45 pm.

Results Practice 1
1. Fermin Aldeguer (Boscoscuro) 2:08.359
2. Sergio Garcia (Boscoscuro) 2:08.641 +0.282
3. Dennis Foggia (Kalex) 2:08.729 +0.370
4. Marcos Ramirez (Kalex) 2:08.783 +0.424
5. Jake Dixon (Kalex) 2:08.865 +0.506
7. Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:09.006 +0.647
25. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:10.401 +2.042

#13 CELESTINO VIETTI

“It hasn’t been so bad in our first day here in America. We are working well, and I feel that we have a good base setup for this track, which is not the easiest for me because I’ve always struggled a bit here. We started well, we are improving in every session and with every run. I feel good; for sure I need to improve a little bit in terms of my riding style at T1, because we are losing a lot of time there, but I think we can do thaf and we can continue improving. We will see what we can do tomorrow.”

#53 DENIZ ÖNCÜ

“The first day in America is done. It was really fun and I really enjoyed riding the bike here. Of course, it is not the easiest circuit with this bike and with me being a rookie, but I am going step-by-step, gaining experience and understanding the feeling with the bike. I am working with the team to continue learning and I am fully focused on tomorrow.”