In four races Remy Gardner has picked up one World Championship point – Tech 3 KTM team rider admits MotoGP debut is much harder than expected
After his first four MotoGP races, Remy Gardner has one World Championship point to his name. The reigning Moto2 World Champion captured this point right at the season opener in Qatar. He also finished all the other races, but outside the top 15.
Since the winter tests Gardner has also been hampered by injury. In mid-January, he suffered a fracture in his right hand during motocross practice and required surgery. He was in pain for weeks.
His teammate has also not been more successful so far. Raul Fernandez also saw the chequered flag in all four Grands Prix. But the Spaniard has not yet scored a single World Championship point. Last year, Gardner and Fernandez still dominated the Moto2 class.
“It could have been a bit better, to be honest,” Gardner admits bluntly. “When I look at what other guys have done in the past. I finished Moto2 so dominant last year. That’s why I expected more.”
Before the start of the European season, Marco Bezzecchi (VR46-Ducati) is the best rookie with a top-10 result (in Argentina). He has seven points to his name. And Darryn Binder (RNF-Yamaha) has also already collected six World Championship points.
Things have been more difficult for Tech-3-KTM so far. The gap to the factory riders has usually been large. The benchmark Brad Binder has been out of reach for Gardner and Fernandez so far. The two rookies are going through a learning process.
“The first races were really difficult,” sighs Gardner. “Hopefully we’ll bring a bit more stability in Europe. I still have a lot to learn. It’s clear it was a big slap in the face.” Gardner’s one point puts Tech 3 last in the team standings.
