Jacob Roulstone to make Moto3 debut in 2024
Jacob Roulstone will add to Australia’s presence on the Moto3 grid in 2024 after signing with Red Bull KTM Tech3 for his debut in the category. The 18-year-old from NSW will join fellow Aussie Joel Kelso, who’s been in Moto3 full-time since 2022.
A past competitor in the Oceania Junior Cup here in Australia, as well as the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup series, Roulstone relocated to Europe in 2020 to get closer to grand prix racing. He’s been in the European Talent Cup, Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the new FIM JuniorGP Championship since.
Highlights so far include a race win and two other podiums in the 2021 edition of the European Talent Cup. Stepping up to the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in 2022 resulted in a best race placing of seventh, but in 2023, Roulstone achieved podiums at Jerez and Assen, along with improved consistency and pace. In the FIM JunorGP World Championship, two seasons (2022 and 2023) with the Aspar Junior Team delivered a best race result of second (on two occasions) and seventh in the championship this year.
“I’m really excited to be joining Red Bull KTM Tech3. They are a very experienced and professional team that have brought through many great riders,” Roulstone said. “Stepping up from the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and FIM JuniorGP won’t be easy, but with the team, the people around me, as well as my own determination, I believe we can have a decent rookie season.
“Thanks to Hervé (Poncharal), KTM and Red Bull for this amazing opportunity. I cannot wait to get into the 2024 season already.”
Hervé Poncharal, Team Principal at Tech3, describes Roulstone as a very promising and talented young rider: “He is clearly on the rise and we are looking forward to teaching him the Moto3 class next year.”
Roulstone replaces Filippo Farioli and will share the Red Bull KTM Tech3 garage with Daniel Holgado, who switched to the team this year after making his Moto3 debut with Red Bull KTM Ajo in 2022. Holgado’s three wins and four other podiums this year saw him finish fifth overall in the championship.
