Free Practice in Thailand: Öncü Sets a New Moto3 Benchmark
The Turkish rider Deniz Öncü, riding for KTM, dominated the free practice session at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram during the Moto3 Thailand Grand Prix. He clocked a blistering time that established an absolute new benchmark for the category at this venue, signaling strong form ahead of qualifying and race day in both Canada and the United States markets where fans are keen to follow emerging talent.
The session produced a tight battle for positions behind Öncü. The Brazilian rider Diogo Moreira, also astride a KTM, was just 0.025 seconds off the pole lap, while Japan’s Ryusei Yamanaka on a Gas Gas machine was 0.127 seconds in arrears. The margins highlighted a heated field where millisecond advantages could redefine the pecking order in minutes.
Verstappen and Rain Fill the Headlines of the Second Session
Among the top contenders, Jaume Masia of Spain, riding a Honda, ended the session in fourth place, just 0.237 seconds behind Öncü. Öncü had already become the central figure of the day by setting the 1:41.907 lap, topping the prior record of 1:42.077 held by Dennis Foggia from the previous season. This achievement underscored Öncü’s acceleration and consistency as a prominent figure in Moto3 competition.
The second session also saw Moreira improving the pace, narrowing the gap to the front and briefly assuming the lead before slipping back. The KTM rider demonstrated pace that kept the top times very tight, with the session validating the competitive rhythm that characterizes the category. The battles at the top of the standings reflected a broader trend of close racing across the field as riders pushed for rapid sections and clean curvature through Buriram’s demanding layouts.
As the clock wound down, several riders offered strong performances. The effort from Moreira kept him in proximity to the best times, while Yamanaka remained competitive with a late push. The field also included notables like Masiá, who maintained his position among the front-runners and kept pressure on Öncü until the final moments of the session.
Ahead of the concluding minutes, the group at the top of the classification illustrated the depth of talent in Moto3. Notable entrants included Dutch rider Collin Veijer on a Husqvarna, Italian Matteo Bertelle on a KTM, and Spaniard José Antonio Rueda also aboard a KTM, all aiming to stake a claim for the best perch as practice concluded. The list of challengers also featured Japanese riders Taiyo Furusato on a Honda and Ayumu Sasaki on a Husqvarna, with other Spaniards such as Iván Ortolá and Daniel Holgado both riding KTM machines. Additional contestants included Nicolo Carraro on a KTM and Ricardo Rossi on a Honda, showcasing a balanced field across constructors.
Looking ahead, several riders outside the top group were set to push harder in the remaining sessions. Australian Joel Kelso on a CFMoto and Spaniard David Muñoz represented strong entries that could alter the order as the weekend progresses. Other riders expected to make a push in subsequent sessions included David Salvador, Vicente Pérez, Xavier Artigas, and Adrián Fernández, all looking to build momentum heading toward qualifying and the main race stage. This evolving narrative underlines the intensity of Moto3 racing, where every lap offers an opportunity to climb the standings and set the tone for Sunday action. Source: official MotoGP coverage and race reports.