Deniz Öncü finishes his final Moto3 race in 5th at #ValenciaGP, Jose Antonio Rueda 6th

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 duo competed in their last race of the season at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia. Deniz Öncü fought for the podium until the last lap in his farewell from the class, finishing in fifth position. Jose Antonio Rueda crossed the line in sixth position after competing in the front group.

Öncü took off from the front row of the grid and made a great start, in which he was able to remain in the front group. After the opening laps, he took second place and tried to secure the position and even fight for the victory, despite feeling discomfort from a crash suffered on Friday. After dropping several places, he rejoined the leading riders and tried to regain positions until the last lap. Öncü finally crossed the finish line in fifth position.

Jose Antonio Rueda had one of his most complete races of the season. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider started from seventh position, and he held the place after the initial laps. Rueda was able to stay in the front group to try to fight for podium positions. However, he was not able to keep up with the pace set by the leading riders and rode alone in the final section of the race. Rueda took sixth position, completing a great rookie season in the World Championship.

With these results, Öncü finished the season fourth overall with 223 points, while Rueda was ninth with 121 points. Red Bull KTM Ajo thank both for the great work that they have done with their respective crews in 2023.

DENIZ ÖNCÜ

We have finished the year and, also, my time in Moto3. We have had ups and downs during the year but I think that it has been a really positive season to gain experience and to see what our potential is. In this race I had pain in my back because of Friday’s crash and maybe we couldn’t finish the year in the way we wanted, but it’s ok. I have to thank all the people who have been supporting me during the year and, also, thanks to the team.

JOSE ANTONIO RUEDA

Today we felt good, and from the beginning we were in the front group and I felt comfortable with the bike. From the middle of the race onwards, we lost ground a little and that made it difficult for us to overtake. We went with a short shift so as not to risk it, and otherwise we would have lost more time. Despite everything, we finished happy and in a good position, although I thought I had enough pace to fight for the podium. I thank the team for everything they have done for me; my first year in the world championship is something I will never forget. We have had a good season, finishing ninth in the standings. I want to thank everyone who has supported me and trusted in me, and to Aki for all the things he has taught me, which will surely help me continue to improve next year.