With this outing of Kenan Sofuoglu on his colt Deniz Öncü, we are reminded that in Grand Prix, the transfer market also takes place in the intermediate classes that are Moto2 and Moto3. For this last category, in addition to results, age, like height and weight weigh on a driver's career. Because the latter generally arrives there as a frail teenager, a body shape which can change completely in two seasons. This is the case of Deniz Öncü, the Tech3 KTM rider who is not unworthy but whose stature is growing faster than his track record. His boss Hervé Poncharal suggests he think about Moto2 in 2023, but he is taken in charge by his Turkish compatriot Kenan Sofuoglu. Once nicknamed Kenan the Terrible when he was a Supersport driver, the retired multiple World Champion still justifies this reputation as a manager, the proof...
If a pilot one day wants to be managed by Kenan Sofuoglu, he will first have to understand that under this wing, he will not really know indulgence. The Turk takes care of his compatriots who are characterized on the track by a virile and correct style. Toprak Razgatlioglu is today the leading figure with his title of WSBK World Champion. But before his advent, we bet more on the brothers Öncü to carry the colors of Al bayrak high. But after a good climb since the Red Bull Rookies Cup, there was a halt.
Can led the way by achieving resounding success in Moto3 on his first appearance at a young age before not only falling into line but heading towards Supersport. His twin Deniz is now trying to make the name of the Öncü in Grand Prix, but nothing is simple. He has been a regular driver in the category since 2020. Deniz's career points upward: in 2020 he was 20th in the world championship, eleventh last year, and he is currently fifth overall at 68 points behind the leader Sergio Garcia. The 19-year-old driver now has two second and two third places to his credit.
But he is growing fast and Deniz definitely wants to move to the Moto2 category for 2023. He has a five-year contract with KTM, a brand which cannot offer him this progression since its workforce is complete with Augusto Fernandez et Peter Acosta who, themselves, a priori have no opportunity to reach MotoGP next year.
Kenan Sofuoglu: “there are drivers who are much more interesting for the teams"
Politically, it's an impasse, but that's not all. And that's when the manager Kenan Sofuoglu enters the scene by communicating in complete transparency about its pilot: “ our results are not solid enough, there are drivers who are much more interesting for the teams », we read from the Turk on speedweek. « That’s why KTM doesn’t want him to move up a category. They are also happy with their Moto2 riders, they are good ».
Deniz Oncu has two options for next season: stay with KTM and continue riding in Moto3, or cancel the contract and look for another team in the Moto2 category. There would also be the Supersport option to find his brother Can, but there too, Kenan Sofuoglu is categorical: “ Supersport would only be an option if Deniz had already been riding Moto2 for a year and no longer found work there », explained the manager of 37 years.
« For the moment, no Supersport team is interested in Deniz. Look at Can: I took him from Moto3 to Supersport. It's his third season there and he's still not very good. Taking a rider from Moto3 to Supersport is not easy. Moto2 riders know that the 600cc and Supersport teams have their eyes on them. But not on Moto3 riders. Besides, I don't want to relive what I experienced with Can » concludes the former World Champion.
To Deniz Oncu, and also his brother Can, so he will have to raise his level of play a little more to convince the manager Kenan Sofuoglu a career plan to improve. As for Moto3 in general, we realize that we take no prisoners.
