GARDNER SIGNS 2022 MOTOGP DEAL
Two Australians will be on the grid in MotoGP next season as KTM has confirmed that Remy Gardner will make the step up the premier class.
Gardner will join factory Ducati rider Jack Miller when he competes for the satellite KTM outfit Tech3 KTM in 2022.
Just days after winning his second Moto2 race, intermediate class championship leader Gardner has been announced as a 2022 MotoGP rider, describing it as a dream come true.
“I’m extremely happy that KTM has given me this opportunity,” Gardner said. “It’s a dream come true for me and what we have worked for up until this point.
“It’s an incredible chance for me and I cannot wait to ride the bike. I just want to thank KTM for believing in me.
“Right now, we need to focus on finishing 2021 in a strong way. I want to thank everyone who has supported me to reach MotoGP. We’re just getting started.”
The 23-year-old, Sydney born racer is the son of 1987 500cc Motorcycle World Champion Wayne Gardner and will join the championship 29 years after his father retired from motorbike racing at the end of 1992.
For 2021 Gardner moved to the Red Bull KTM Ajo squad in Moto2 and has finished on the podium in five of the sixth races so far.
The squad has been well known for nurturing young KTM juniors before they progress to MotoGP with the Austrian brand, Gardner will be no exception.
Gardner joins the likes of Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira who have come through the KTM ranks.
KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer feels that it would have been silly not to promote Gardner after the talent he has already shown in the first six rounds of this season alone.
“It’s a real pleasure for us to bring Remy to MotoGP next season because we knew about his speed and ability for Moto2 and he has confirmed that potential,” Beirer said.
“We believe there is much more to come from him and it’s important he has this opportunity to keep growing. Remy is a typical racer.
“He’s super-determined and never gives up. He’s exciting to watch and we’re looking forward to working with him in this next step.
“Again, we’re also showing that the KTM GP Academy can give the right opportunity for riders that want to go all the way.”
Gardner made his GP debut in 2014 and first stood on the Moto2 podium in 2019 at the Argentinian Grand Prix.
Since then, Gardner has established himself as a front runner, and in 2021 has a real shot at a world championship.
Tech3 KTM Factory Racing team principal Herve Poncharal believes that making the announcement now will help Gardner to focus on the job in Moto2.
“We are very proud, happy and confident to welcome Remy,” he said.
“We believe he will be a strong asset to the KTM MotoGP line up and I think having taken this decision is now going to help Remy to focus 100% on his Moto2 World Championship and will also help us, the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing Team, to focus on our 2021 season.”
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