MotoGP: Tech3 KTM sign Remy Gardner for 2022 season

Remy Gardner will make his MotoGP debut next season after signing for the Tech3 KTM team.

Gardner is the current Moto2 championship leader and has enjoyed a fantastic start to life within the Red Bull KTM Ajo team. The Aussie has one victory and five podiums from the opening six rounds of the 2021 season.

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The 23-year-old, who will have a factory-spec RC16 at his disposal in 2022, follows in the footsteps of Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder, both of whom were taken under the wing of the influential team boss Aki Ajo.

“I’m extremely happy that KTM have 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 also thank everyone who has supported me to reach MotoGP. We’re just getting started.”

Gardner made his Grand Prix debut at Misano in 2014 on board a KTM Moto3 machine. He spent a full season in the lightweight class the following year, before moving up to Moto2 in 2016. Gardner spent two years with Tech3’s Moto2 team (2017-2018), picking up a best result of fifth at Valencia.

He first stood on the Moto2 podium in 2019 at the Grand Prix of Argentina whilst riding for the SAG Racing team. Three more podiums and a maiden victory at Portimao would following in the shortened 2020 season.

“We are very proud, happy and confident to welcome Remy,” Tech3 KTM Team Principal Hervé Poncharal added. “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. So, welcome back, Remy, keep on pushing and come to join us for your MotoGP adventure in 2022!”

Remy is the son of 1987 500cc world champion Wayne Gardner. Wayne achieved 18 victories and 52 podiums during his time in the premier class, racing against the likes of Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz and Eddie Lawson.

It’s not yet known which rider will make way for the arrival of Remy Gardner at the Tech3 KTM team. Currently, Danilo Petrucci and Iker Lecouna race for Poncharal’s team.

Gardner’s Moto2 teammate Raul Fernandez, who sits six just points behind Gardner in the standings, has also been linked to Tech3 following his sensational start to life in Moto2.