Australian Remy Gardner, son of 1987 500cc world champion Wayne, will move up to MotoGP next season.
Key points:
- Remy Gardner’s father, Wayne, was the first Australian to win the top class of grand prix motorcycling
- The 23-year-old said joining the MotoGP was “a dream come true”
- KTM Motorsport director Pit Beirer said the team want to give him an “opportunity to keep growing”
The 23-year-old is leading the Moto2 championship for the Red Bull KTM Ajo team after six rounds. He took his first win of the 2021 season at last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Mugello.
His MotoGP debut will come 30 years after his father Wayne Gardner — the first Australian to win the top class of grand prix motorcycling — retired in 1992.
The youngster, who has come up through KTM’s rider academy, competed for Tech3’s Moto2 team in 2017 and 2018.
“It’s a dream come true for me and what we have worked for up until this point,” Gardner said.
“It’s an incredible chance for me and I cannot wait to ride the bike.
“Right now we need to focus on finishing 2021 in a strong way. I want to thank also everyone who has supported me to reach MotoGP. We’re just getting started.”
Tech3’s current riders are Spaniard Iker Lecuona and Italian Danilo Petrucci. One of them is now set to leave at the end of the year.
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KTM Motorsport director Pit Beirer said the team looked forward to giving Gardner an opportunity to grow.
“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.”
Herve Poncharal, Tech3 KTM Factory Racing Team principal, said bringing in Gardner would strengthen the team.
“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 per cent on his Moto2 World Championship and will also help us, the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing Team, to focus on our 2021 season.
“So welcome back, Remy. Keep on pushing and come to join us for your MotoGP adventure in 2022.”
