Öncü on podium with 3rd in #SanMarinoGP, Rueda 9th

The Misano World Circuit hosted a frantic Moto3 race on Sunday. Deniz Öncü led during the final laps and fought for the victory until the last corner, finishing in third position. Jose Antonio Rueda climbed positions and placed ninth.

Deniz Öncü started the race from fifth position, but lost several places off the line. The Turkish rider managed to recover quickly and in just four laps was up into the podium places. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 rider closed a big gap behind the race leader and overtook him with 9 laps to go. Öncü tried to increase his advantage, but on the last lap a small mistake relegated him to third. Öncü has five podium finishes this season and is fourth in the overall standings with 144 points.

Rueda started the San Marino Grand Prix from the fourth row of the grid, but he felt comfortable and increased the pace to break into the Top 10. The Moto3 rookie managed to catch the group after the first half of the race and completed a solid race to get the best possible position. In a race run at a high pace, Rueda finished in ninth position, further consolidating his progression. With 88 points, he is eighth in the Moto3 World Championship.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 riders will next tackle a new circuit for the championship at the Indian Grand Prix from 22-24 September.

DENIZ ÖNCÜ

Today I had one of my best race paces of the season, and was even faster than in the qualifying. The race was positive for us, we are very strong at every track, and this is very important. We fought for the victory, I did my best but a small mistake cost me the win. I tried to make a perfect exit out of the corner and brake as late as possible to not get passed by other riders. It’s good to see that we are closing the gap in the championship and we are ready for the next race.

JOSE ANTONIO RUEDA

We were able to gain some positions in the first few laps, it was important because we started a little far behind. I think we are on the right way, we have to keep improving, although we know which is the direction to keep going. We were able to catch up the group, but in the last five laps the front riders started to push very hard. The positive thing is that we are still scoring points and we finished in the Top 10 again. Now it’s time to keep working and continue adapting a little bit more.