Deniz Öncü and Celestino Vietti have been confirmed as the 2024 rider pairing for the highly competitive Red Bull KTM Ajo squad, fuelling speculation regarding the future of current rider Pedro Acosta amid links with a move up to the premier class.
The announcement today confirms that Acosta, who currently leads the way in Moto2, will not be a part of the Ajo Moto2 squad next year, with a move up to MotoGP looking almost certain.
However, there is currently no room amongst the KTM stable for the Spaniard to slot in, with factory Red Bull KTM riders Brad Binder and Jack Miller, plus GASGAS Tech3 pilots Pol Espargaro and Augusto Fernandez, all under contract next year,
Therefore, one rider may be cut out of their deal early to make way for the hot prospect that is Acosta.
The signing of Öncü and Vietti also means that current rider Albert Arenas will have to seek a new opportunity elsewhere in 2024.
In Öncü and Vietti, Ajo has now secured two riders with heaps of potential to help continue its success in Moto2 next year.
Acosta currently leads the way in this year’s Moto2 standings and Fernandez won the title for Ajo last year. Previously, Remy Gardner took top honours for Ajo back in 2021, while Johann Zarco also secured success with the team back in 2015 and ’16.
Öncü, who swapped Tech3 for Ajo this year in Moto3, is a title contender in the junior category, having finally ended his long wait for a win with a maiden victory in Germany earlier this year.
The 20-year-old Turkish rider has since picked up another victory in Austria and sits fourth in the Moto3 standings, 17 points behind leader Daniel Holgado.
“I’m very happy to be moving up to Moto2 with Red Bull KTM Ajo,” said Öncü in a statement on the MotoGP website.
“The main goal this season is to improve in Moto3 and get good results to fight for the title.
“I just want to thank Aki, KTM and Red Bull for their confidence in me and for this opportunity.”
Vietti currently rides for the Fantic Racing Moto2 squad and is a member of Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Rider Academy.
The Italian rider has six wins across the Moto3 and Moto2 classes and was an early title favourite in the intermediate class last year before a run of crashes ruled him out of contention.
Picking up one more win in Moto2 this year in Austria, Vietti is still struggling for consistency and sits sixth in the standings, 105 points back from Acosta.
But another podium (2nd) last time out in Misano proves he has the pace and Ajo, widely considered to be something of a finishing school for talented Moto2 prospects is the perfect place for him to continue his development.
“It’s a great opportunity for me so I am very happy about the news,” Vietti said.
“I have to say thanks to KTM and Aki Ajo for believing in me. Also thanks to VR46 Riders Academy management, as without them none of this would be possible.”
Ajo Team Manager Aki Ajo added: “I have to say that we are excited to have a great mix of experience in this class and young talent with Deniz, who we already know.
“Celestino has shown in the last years that he is one of the top riders in the class.
“Of course, we are very happy to have him on our team alongside Deniz, who is one of the fastest riders in Moto3. The combination will be great and we are excited about it.”
