Remy Gardner has become the first rookie to be confirmed to the 2022 MotoGP World Championship grid after revealing he will step up into the premier class with Tech 3 KTM.
Son of 1987 500GP World Champion Wayne Gardner, the 23-year old is the second Australian racer to be confirmed to the 2022 MotoGP grid, together with Ducati’s Jack Miller.
Gardner’s promotion comes just months after joining the KTM rider programme, unlike Brad Binder - who was confirmed with KTM for another three years yesterday - and Miguel Oliveira who raced in ‘orange’ for several seasons before getting their MotoGP break.
Nonetheless, it also comes days after Gardner secured his second career Moto2 win - his first with the KTM-backed Ajo Motorsport - at Mugello, which in turn puts him ahead in the overall standings.
“I’m extremely happy that KTM have given me this opportunity,’” he 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 also everyone who has supported me to reach MotoGP. We’re just getting started.”
Coming of age in 2020 with the minnow SAG team, though it took Gardner until the end of his fifth season in Moto2 to record his maiden win (Portimao 2020), KTM believes it has captured a talent on the ascendency that will continue in MotoGP.
“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,” said Tech 3 manager Herve Poncharal.
“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 was linked with a move into MotoGP with KTM for 2020 after being linked with a Tech 3 seat in the wake of Johann Zarco’s premature departure. After Gardner turned it down in favour of honing his skills in Moto2, the seat went to Iker Lecuona, who is expected to make way for the Australian next year.
