'Incredible' first MotoGP laps for Remy Gardner, Raul Fernandez
'Incredible' – that was the word both Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez used to describe their first experience of a MotoGP bike, on Wednesday at the Misano test.
The Moto2 team-mates and title leaders were given the chance to make an early MotoGP debut for the KTM Tech3 team they will both race for in 2022.
Completing just over 40 laps each on the RC16, Fernandez finished 22nd on the timesheets (+2.389s) with Gardner 25th (+3.042s).
We think Raul Fernandez & Remy Gardner enjoyed that one
— CRASH.NET/MotoGP (@crash_motogp) September 22, 2021
They have already been out on track this morning on the Tech 3 KTM #MotoGP #MisanoTest pic.twitter.com/UEqcu6UftD
Moto2 rookie Fernandez, who outpaced MotoGP test riders Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia) and Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki), said: “I’m really happy and thanks to KTM for giving me an opportunity. It was an amazing day and incredible to ride that bike.
"At the beginning there were many new things to think about, like the carbon brakes, but after a while it felt quite easy and I was enjoying it like a kid. The power was…wow.
"I want to start the work for next season as soon as possible even though all my focus is on Moto2 right now. In Valencia we’ll start again.”
“Incredible, honestly. I mean I expected power and strong braking but until you really try it then you don’t know," said Gardner, son of 1987 500cc world champion Wayne.
"I was going through gears like there was no tomorrow. Even in the last laps it was mind-blowing how fast it was. I had a great day and a lot of fun. It was good to get a feel for the bike and to try and understand it.
"It was a nice little treat for us by KTM. I cannot wait to start for real and I’m looking forward to push the bike next time, trying to find those limits.”
KTM team manager Mike Leitner added: "Raul and Remy took the Tech3 RC16s for some laps and it is always super-nice to see when a rider has his first experience with a MotoGP bike; their faces when they came back in said a lot!
"They have never had that power before. The target of the test for them was just to get that taste of MotoGP."
Gardner (who has won four races) starts the last four rounds of the Moto2 season with a 34-point lead over Fernandez (six wins).
Current Tech3 riders Danilo Petrucci and Iker Lecuona rode on day one of the test.
Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
