GARDNER SIGNS WITH RED BULL KTM JUNIOR SQUAD

Remy Gardner signs with Red Bull KTM junior squad – Photo: LAT

Australian Remy Gardner has signed up with the KTM academy and in 2021 will ride for front running squad Red Bull KTM Ajo in the Moto2 class.

By DAN McCARTHY

Last year Remy Gardner, the son of 1987 500cc World Champion Wayne, took his maiden pole position and podium finish.

Backing it up with his second pole and podium earlier this year, the 22-year-old has now been given his big break signing with the Red Bull Ajo Moto2 squad.

“I am very happy to be signing this contract for the team of my dreams,” Gardner said. “I am proud to be part of the Red Bull and KTM family, and of Aki’s structure.

“I want to thank all of them for giving me this opportunity for 2021, I also thank all those who have helped me to get here.

“I can’t wait to start working with them next year and I hope that together we can do some amazing things.”

Despite only being 22-years of age, the Sydney born rider has ridden in Moto2 since 2016, the past two seasons riding for the Malaysian Onexox TKKR SAG Team.

On that bike, Gardner has been able to showcase his skill and was the reason that he was signed up by the Red Bull KTM Ajo squad. Team principal Aki Ajo said that with Gardner they know they have someone special.

“I’m very happy to have Remy in our project next year,” Ajo said. “He is a young talent, but at the same time he has extensive experience in the FIM World Championship.

“This combination of abilities is perfect for our project of developing riders. We are looking forward to working together next season.

“I know that Remy has something special compared to the rest of the competitors: he has great talent, a good feel for the bike and is a born fighter. I hope that, as a team, we can give him a boost during the season for the style that comes naturally to him.

“I am personally very excited to have Remy with us, and about what 2021 has in store.”

Both 2020 Red Bull Ajo riders Jorge Martin and Tetsuta Nagashima are championship contenders this season and have already taken a win apiece.

Martin sat second in the standings heading into last weekend’s San Marino Grand Prix but was forced to miss the event as he tested positive to COVID-19.

KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer is chuffed to have Gardner within the KTM fold going forwards.

“I’m really pleased that Remy is coming under our umbrella,” Beirer said.

“We think he is a special rider and we have seen some strong and exciting skills in his race performances over the years.

“We think with Aki’s experience we can help him to make the next important step in his career.”

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