Remy Gardner picks up Moto3 point

Remy Gardner picks up Moto3 point

Remy Gardner proved he belongs in World Championship Grand Prix racing on the weekend with a stunning 15th place in his third Moto3 race – and his first ever visit to the challenging Sepang Circuit.

Remy, who was picked up by Team Calvo to replace injured rider Eric Granado, had impressed team boss Pablo Nieto with his wildcard ride at the previous weekends Tissot Australian Grand Prix, securing a one-off ride on a factory KTM.

A circuit that produces fiercely close racing and has riders relying on a good tow on the long back straight to make a good lap time, Sepang was always going to be a challenge for the 16-year-old, however, Remy was almost immediately competitive from FP1 with a 2:16.347, followed by a 2:16.099 in FP2 and an impressive 2:15.103 in FP3.

The Friday practice and FP3 on Saturday could not have gone better for Remy, however, Qualifying was more difficult. Remy Gardner, “I was very happy with the way things went on Friday. I was competitive and we were making progress with the bike but on Saturday morning I did not have the same confidence in the front-end and we made some changes, which worked. However, qualifying just did not go to plan for me.

“There is a lot of luck involved and getting a good tow on the long straight is important. You can go quick in the other sectors but without a tow on the long chute you can’t get a time. There was a lot of traffic and I had a difficult time. A 2:15.875 was not my fastest time of the weekend and only placed me 29th on the grid so I was disappointed”.

Remy’s luck was about to be turned around, as on Sunday he did Australia proud by bringing the Team Calvo KTM home in a stunning 15th place to score his first World Championship point in only his third Moto3 race – and the first on this bike.

“I could not be happier. The team are also really happy. It was a very tough race and I had to work very hard. I was with the front group but unfortunately I was pushed wide by Masbou and Khairuddin and lost the tow on the back straight and that was it – I lost the group. However, I led my group and was really happy to come home 15th in a crazy race.

“I enjoyed the weekend and I really want to race full time in the World Championships. I think I have proved that I am at this level and with a few more Grands Prix under my belt I feel I could run up the front regularly.

“I really have to thank the team for this opportunity and a fantastic bike and I hope that Eric recovers fully and is OK”.