Valentino Rossi’s Student Will Defend KTM: Celestino Vietti Promised To Rise To MotoGP 2025?
The Moto2 landscape for the upcoming 2024 season is already buzzing with anticipation as Red Bull KTM Ajo, a powerhouse in the motorsport world, prepares to shuffle its lineup. With Pedro Acosta’s graduation to MotoGP and the potential departure of Albert Arenas, all eyes are on the prestigious Finnish team and their potential recruits. Deniz Oncu and Celestino Vietti, protégés of none other than Valentino Rossi, are at the center of the spotlight.
Oncu’s Ascent And The Moto2 Transition
Deniz Oncu’s journey in the world of motorsports has been marked by dedication and growth. The Turkish rider, currently in his fifth season in Moto3, has been an integral part of the Red Bull KTM structure, having association with both the Ajo and Tech 3 teams. With this year’s return to KTM Ajo under the guidance of five-time WorldSSP champion Kenan Sofuoglu, the 20-year-old Oncu’s determination is to embrace a new challenge: the Moto2 class.
The Potential Partnership: Oncu And Vietti
Rumors are rife about Oncu’s Moto2 transition, potentially alongside Celestino Vietti. The Italian rider, a product of Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Riders Academy, is currently in his third Moto2 season, representing Fantic Racing. Having made his debut in Moto3 in 2018 under the VR46 Racing Team banner, Vietti has consistently shown promise. While Fantic took over the team for this season, Vietti’s journey continues as he seeks consistency in results, despite clinching victory at the Moto2 Austria race.
The Promise Of A MotoGP Future
A recent report from Speedweek on August 28, 2023, has brought the spotlight back on Celestino Vietti. While the report suggests a close collaboration between Vietti and KTM in 2024. The Austrian manufacturer appears to have long-term plans for the Italian rider. It’s rumor that KTM seeks to bolster their Moto2 ranks with a talented rider, assuring them of a spot in KTM’s third team in MotoGP for the 2025 season. While the specifics of the partnering team remain unknown, the strong connection between KTM and Rossi’s VR46 is an intriguing aspect.
The KTM-VR46 Connection And Future Prospects
The German media outlet report that Vietti is slated to join the Ajo Moto2 team in 2024, with the promise of a MotoGP seat for the 2025 season. While Pierer Mobility AG, the driving force behind KTM, seems to be working on securing additional MotoGP slots from various teams, possibly including LCR, VR46, or RNF. The connection between the Pierer Group and VR46, especially given the history of Rossi’s team using KTM machinery in Moto3, adds depth to the situation.
