GARDNER TAKES PODIUM IN SEASON OPENER

Australian Moto2 rider Remy Gardner kicked off his fifth season in motorcycle racing’s second-tier on the podium in Qatar.

Racing this season as part of the front-running Red Bull KTM Ajo, Gardner qualified sixth after a crash by Xavi Vierge forced the Australian to abandon his final qualifying flyer.

It was a calm and calculated display by Gardner as he scythed his way through the lead pack after falling to eighth off the start.

A battle with Fabio Di Giannantonio and Joe Roberts followed for sixth position before he entered the top five after passing Bo Bendsneyder on lap 4.

On the very same lap he took fourth from Jake Dixon, but a miscue later in the lap allowed the Brit to re-take the place. Gardner recovered to re-pass Dixon two laps later, before a successful attack on lap 8 put him on the podium after passing Marco Bezzecchi.

His teammate Raul Fernandez was next on the radar and a pass on lap 9 moved Gardner into the runner up position 1s behind Sam Lowes.

Remy Gardner takes podium in season opener – Image: LAT

Multiple fastest laps by Lowes set-up his victory as Gardner finished second clear of Di Giannantonio, who fought off Bezzecchi for the final step on the podium.

Although disappointed to not achieve a front-row berth, Gardner was delighted to bank a solid amount of points to begin his title assault.

“The weekend started well on Friday, I expected a little bit more, but we weren’t far away from the top time overall and I was looking to move forward both in terms of time and position in qualifying,” Gardner said.

“We ended P6 in quali after I had to abort my last flying lap. I can’t say it would have made a massive change to where I started but it would have been nice to be on the front row, but the target was always the race.

“I am super happy, it’s a great way to start the season. I got a little swamped in the beginning but I was able to find a good pace and fight my way through the pack, but in the end Sam was just too far. It’s good points and all I can say is let’s go again next week!”

Moto2 continues next week with Round 2 at Losail for the Doha Grand Prix.

For more of the latest MotoGP news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and/or weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.