Gardner, Fernandez set for Moto2 title showdown at Valencia

A new Moto2 World Champion will be crowned this Sunday as Remy Gardner leads team-mate Raul Fernandez by just 23 points with one race left. 

After taking victory in Portimao - his second career win at the Algarve International Circuit, Gardner will secure the title if he finishes anywhere inside the top 13 places should Fernandez win. 

Given the fact Gardner has only finished one race outside the top seven all season, which was a DNF in Austin, Texas, the Australian is unlikely to finish outside the top ten based on pure performance, however, anything can happen of course. 

This weekend’s season finale will also be Gardner’s final race as a Moto2 rider as he steps up to MotoGP next year with the Tech 3 KTM team, as will Fernandez.

"I hope I can enjoy the final race of the year as it will also be my last race in Moto2," added Gardner. 

"We’ll give one hundred percent to achieve the best result to win the title. This year’s been the best season of my life. 

"I never thought I could have a year with such great results and, together with the incredible team that I have, I have really enjoyed every moment. 

"Whatever happens in Valencia, it has been a pleasure to be part of this team. The circuit is not one of my favourites, but it has some corners that I like a lot, such as T14 where you can slide a lot."

While the championship permutations are clear for Gardner, the same is to be said for Fernandez - only a win will give the Spanish rider the opportunity of winning the title on Sunday - if he fails to win, Gardner can even fail to finish the race and still be champion. 

For Fernandez to do exactly that, making the correct tyre choice will be key, something he admitted to getting wrong last time out. 

"We were unlucky at the last race, especially with the rear tyre because we didn't make the right choice and we had a good pace during the Grand Prix weekend," said the Spaniard. 

"This is a special round since it will be the last with my Moto2 team - who I will miss a lot. It will also be important since the title will be decided and, although I have a chance, it’s a small one. 

"I really like the circuit, as it was where I won my first Grand Prix (2020). When you usually do well at a track, it makes you feel good. 

"Overall, 2021 has been the best and the worst year of my life. However, in general, it has been a positive season."