Gardner to get second MotoGP chance, Kazakhstan cancelled

Australia’s Remy Gardner will get a surprise second ride of the 2024 MotoGP season at the British Grand Prix next month.

Whilst the rider Gardner replaced at Germany, Alex Rins, will be back at Silverstone, another opportunity has arrived under the Yamaha umbrella from outside the full time grid.

Three-time Motorcycle Grand Prix winner Cal Crutchlow was set to make a comeback in his home race in a Yamaha.

However, Crutchlow, who retired at the end of 2020, will not be able to ride in next month’s British Grand Prix due to hand issues.

The Yamaha test rider was set to take part in last month’s Italian Grand Prix, but that wildcard was also called off due to the Brit experiencing right-hand pain.

The 38-year-old went through a procedure to fix it, but due to still experiencing pain, Yamaha made the decision to call up Gardner once again.

The Aussie returned to MotoGP at the recent German Grand Prix where he finished 19th riding for the factory Yamaha outfit.

Since losing his Tech3 seat in the premier class at the end of 2022, Gardner has been competing in the World SuperBikes for Yamaha.

The 2021 Moto2 champion took a maiden podium at Assen and has scored three top 10s across the last two rounds at Misano and Donington Park to sit eighth in the standings.

Gardner said it will be a thrill to race at the high-speed Silverstone.

“First of all, I just want to say that I hope that Cal can get better soon,” he said. 

“I saw him last week, and I hope he can get back to riding and help the MotoGP project along.

“Obviously, it’s a nice opportunity to get to ride the M1 again, so I’m really happy. 

“Silverstone is a track I like, and hopefully I can give some more important feedback to Yamaha and the team and continue to enjoy the moment. 

“Thanks to everyone at Yamaha, and I’m looking forward to riding again!”

Crutchlow revealed his recovery has been slowed due to a number of implications post surgery has seen him stay on the sidelines.

“Unfortunately, I am unable to attend my wild card appearance at the Monster Energy British GP at Silverstone this year,” he said. 

“I had surgery on my hand two months ago, and the recovery has not gone as expected at all, leading to further surgery and complications.

“It is important to let my hand heal fully before trying to ride the MotoGP bike.

“I look forward to coming back and riding with my Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team as soon as I can and continue our project to improve the current and next year’s package for the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team.

“This year we have seen some improvement already thanks to endless work from everyone at Yamaha and the team. I hope to watch an exciting British GP this year and that everyone has a great weekend!

“Finally, I would like to wish Remy good luck and to have fun.

“He has experience on the MotoGP bike and got a good taste of the Yamaha in Germany at the last race, so it is the perfect situation for him to ride the bike again.”

In other big news, the inaugural Kazakhstan Grand Prix has been postponed for a third time and will not go ahead in 2024.

It becomes the third grand prix to be cancelled in 2024 following India and Argentina.

To ensure a 20-race season can still take place, a second race at Misano will be held.

Following the originally scheduled San Marino Grand Prix on September 6-8, a return weekend will be held at the same venue on September 20-22.

MotoGP is currently in the summer break, but will return with the British Grand Prix on August 2-4.

Photo by Gold and Goose / LAT Images

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