In 2020, the experienced Tech3 team will have a unique Grand Prix experience. Despite these years of campaigning, he had never challenged the turbulent Moto3 peloton. After the abandonment of the Moto2 program by KTM, this is the fallback solution found for Hervé Poncharal's troops. Ayumu Sasaki and Deniz Öncü will be his spearheads and all these beautiful people got to know each other in Jerez in the cold and the rain…
The brand new team Red Bull KTM Tech3 Moto3 made its debut this Wednesday and Thursday on the Jerez circuit with its drivers Ayumu Sasaki et Deniz Oncu. They shared a motorbike, although the rain and cold disrupted the event. While Sasaki used the first day to get comfortable aboard the KTM machine, doing 23 laps with a broken metacarpal bone in his right hand on a wet track, it's Öncü, who took over on Thursday, doing 27 laps in the rain.
Ayumu Sasaki commented : " It's a shame, it was quite cold and rainy, so we weren't able to enjoy a full day. We started this morning with the 2019 bike, did a few laps and I felt really good with it. I was really comfortable and the times were very good, because to ride here in 1'59 in wet conditions is not bad. We were also working for the first time in the team and I have to say that I am really happy with the bike, the team and everything else. I can't wait to ride for the next test and already for the 2020 season. »
Deniz Oncu will make his first full season in Grand Prix: “ it was a really exciting day riding a new bike in a new team. It was the first time I tried the KTM and I realized it was very different from what I rode before. It takes a little time to adapt my style and everything else, but I enjoyed it a lot, also with the new team. Unfortunately the weather was not so good. I'm super happy and can't wait to come back in February. I feel good now, very motivated for 2020. I hope to have a good winter, try to rest a little, but also prepare for the coming season. I'm just super excited to ride again! »
The final word goes to the boss, Hervé Poncharal : " so we did our very first Moto3 test. I think it was a great feeling for the Red Bull KTM Tech3 Moto3 team. Of course, the weather was not on our side, but it was really nice to finally work with Ayumu and Deniz, to bring the whole team together, because we have quite a few new people and so I would like to welcome them . In particular Hector Testuri and Jose Manuel Ruiz Gomez, both from Moto3 KTM teams and I think it was a great time to spend these two days here. »
“We didn't have as much action on track, although I think Ayumu was very positive moving from Honda to KTM. He likes the way the bike handles and handles. So we have to wait a little more, but team spirit is something very important and I think we already have a functioning team. We have been impressed by the support KTM is already giving us. We tested the 2019 bike, but all we've heard is that the testing of the 2020 version is very positive. I know this is a very important and crucial category for KTM, Mr. Pierer confirmed this to us last week in Valencia. So we have to wait a bit, rest and hope that the next test will take place in better weather conditions so that we have better lap times to show. I wish the whole team a good winter break! »
