Masia fully focused on Qatar; 'We hope to achieve a positive result'

As was the case last season, Jaume Masia will begin the 2022 Moto3 world championship as the Red Bull KTM Ajo team’s main title contender.

The Spaniard, who was quickly outshone during the 2021 campaign by team-mate and eventual world champion Pedro Acosta, finished Monday’s final day of the Official Moto3 pre-season test at Portimao in P7, one spot ahead of another rider KTM will have high hopes for, Deniz Oncu.

Currently a four-time Moto3 race winner, Masia’s best time over the three days came during S7 - the first of the final day, as he set a 1:47.654s which was six tenths down on 2021 runner-up Dennis Foggia. 

"I am very happy with how the three days of testing at Portimao have gone, since I have improved day after day and my feeling with the bike has been good in general," concluded Masia. 

"I want to thank the team for the great work they have done during these last few days, and highlight that we have finished pre-season with a good taste in our mouths. 

"Now it's time to focus on Qatar, where we will have great enthusiasm and clear ideas. We hope to achieve a positive result there."

Oncu, who will take part in his third full Moto3 campaign in 2022, was just +0.005s behind Masia as he set his best lap during the same S7.

Although the Turkish rider is still recovering from injury and therefore not 100% fit, Oncu was able to complete the entire three day test without issues. Oncu cited improvements with the set-up as the main takeaway from Portimao.

Oncu added: "We finished three days of testing here in Portimao before the first race in Qatar. We have tried a lot of different things on the bike with the team, and have found some really good set-ups to fit my riding style. 

"However, these last three days have been tough for me but my injury is not so bad. I will now go home to recover in order to get ready for Qatar next week."