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MotoGP comeback for Gardner 

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: July 3, 2024

There will be two Australians on the grid for this weekend’s German Motorcycle Grand Prix with Remy Gardner to make a comeback with the famous Yamaha team.

Aussie Gardner will replace the injured Alex Rins, who underwent surgery on a fractured right wrist and ankle following his scary crash on the opening lap of the Dutch TT.

At this stage it is unclear how long Rins will be on the sidelines for with his absence only confirmed for the trip to the Sachsenring.

Gardner’s one and only MotoGP season was in 2022 for Tech3 KTM where he finished 23rd, just one spot behind teammate Raul Fernandez.

Last year he turned to the Superbike World Championship where he scored a factory ride with Yamaha.

A consistent season floating in and around the top 10 saw him finish his rookie season ninth, but the son of 1987 500xx world champion Wayne has shown more speed in 2024.

Gardner is on a WSBK best run of five straight top 10 finishes, highlighted by a maiden podium last time out at Assen.

The 26-year-old is honoured to race for Yamaha at the highest level.

“First of all, I hope Alex can have a fast recovery and I wish him the best,” Garnder said. 

“I’m really excited about this challenge. I just want to say ‘Thank you so much’ to Yamaha for trusting me to ride this weekend. 

“I will use it as a great experience to learn. It’s a new bike, and coming back to MotoGP for one race is always a nice experience, so I’m looking forward to enjoying this weekend.

“I’m just extremely happy for this opportunity. Once again a big ‘Thank you’ to Yamaha.”

Rins has revealed his surgery was a success and hopes to be back on the bike as quickly as possible.

“The surgery went well, and I’m heading home now,” he said. 

“Unfortunately, I’ll miss the next GP, but I hope to be back very soon. 

“Despite this bump in the road, our motivation to keep working is higher than ever.”

Yamaha team director Massimo Meregalli provided an update on Rins and admitted Gardner has a “steep learning curve” ahead.

“First of all, let me start by saying that the team is relieved that Alex’ surgery went well and that the injuries he sustained in the highside are not more serious,” he said. 

“We all wish him a speedy recovery, and we hope to welcome him back soon.

“Secondly, we are thankful to Remy Gardner and the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK team that he can join us at the Sachsenring on such short notice. 

“We are sure that this will be an interesting experience for him, but the team will do everything we can to make him feel welcome and supported throughout this weekend’s steep learning curve.”

Photo by Gold and Goose / LAT Images

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