Gardner not thinking ‘too much about what’s at stake’, has first title chance

If Remy Gardner can outscore team-mate Raul Fernandez by more than eight points this weekend, then he will be crowned 2021 Moto2 World Champion.

During the second Misano race of 2021 last time out, Fernandez looked on course to take over the championship lead for the first time this season, however, a costly crash whilst leading has instead left him 18 points behind the Australian.

That means if Gardner wins at Portimao - the circuit he took his first ever Moto2 win at last year, then Fernandez has to finish no lower than second in order to extend the title battle to Valencia.

Despite what’s at stake, Gardner isn’t focusing too far ahead and instead wants to keep the same approach as recent rounds. 

"We have two very important races ahead of us. However, we have to face them in the same way that we have faced the previous rounds, without thinking too much about what is at stake," he said. 

"We have to continue on the same path as up to now, working hard and trying not to make mistakes. It will be important to take a step forward in qualifying compared to Misano. 

"Let's hope that this time the weather will be a little better for us. Portugal is a circuit that I really like - in fact, it is one of my favourites, since its layout is spectacular and unique."

For Fernandez, the error in Misano has somewhat put the pressure back onto Gardner’s shoulders as he’s the one with everything to lose. 

And with Fernandez being in much better form than Gardner of late, maintaining a mistake free final two rounds will be vital in not allowing the Spaniard, who just wants to ‘enjoy myself to the fullest’, back in with a chance.  

Fernandez added: "I face these last two rounds with the desire to enjoy myself to the fullest. I want to give one hundred percent to try to finish the year as we want, which is to achieve another good result. 

"It was a shame about the crash that we suffered in Misano two weeks ago, but I think we did what we had to do and this is part of the sport.

"Now we return to Portugal, which is a circuit that I like a lot, where I feel very solid and where my riding style has always served me well. 

"I will give my all and we will look, above all, to have fun on the bike."