Gardner’s MotoGP career hanging by a thread

Aussie Remy Gardner’s future in MotoGP is on shaky ground, with the 24-year-old confirming as much after the Austrian MotoGP round on August 21.

“No, it's not [looking great for next year],” Gardner said after Sunday’s Red Bull Ring race where he finished 20th after an early crash (and subsequent remount) scuppered any chances of a point-scoring result.

 “In MotoGP, it doesn't look like there's anything…KTM’s done it again!”

Gardner’s rookie year in MotoGP on the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing machine has been difficult, with the ever-present physical and mental demands of moving to the premier class exacerbated by a part-development role to raise the tricky RC16 into a consistent threat against the likes of Ducati, Aprilia, Suzuki and Yamaha.

Gardner’s teammate, fellow rookie Raul Fernandez, has also felt the pinch, and the Spaniard has confirmed he will not be returning to Tech3 in 2023 – which will be switching to GASGAS branding instead of KTM. Pierer Mobility Group, which owns KTM, purchased GASGAS in 2019.

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With Pol Espargaro confirmed as one of the two riders in the GASGAS Factory Racing Team, Gardner was tipped to retain his seat but sources suggest that’s now been turned on its head with Miguel Oliveira apparently re-courted by KTM bosses. Emerging Moto3 star Augusto Fernandez’s name has also been raised in the GASGAS equation.

If Gardner loses his seat, the new Aprilia satellite outfit (a rebadged RNF Yamaha) could be an 11th hour option, otherwise a move across to world superbike may also hold some appeal – but like MotoGP seats are filling fast.

Otherwise, a return to Moto2 may be the last resort.

The MotoGP title resumes at Misano from September 2-4, by which time Gardner should have a clearer picture of where he will be riding in 2023.