Second-gen racer targets fulltime seat in Moto3 series.
A point-scoring result in Sunday’s Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Sepang has Australian rising star Remy Gardner confident he can perform at the world championship level.
Gardner, the talented 16-year-old son of 1987 500cc World Champion Wayne, exceeded expectations in a fill-in role for Calvo Team KTM, finishing 15th to score his first world championship point.
The Spanish-based CEV regular is now eyeing a transition to the grand prix ranks after featuring in three races this season, but was absent from provisional 2015 entry lists released last week.
“I could not be happier [and] the team are also really happy,” Gardner said of his Sepang debut. “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 [Granado] recovers fully and is okay.”
The Pablo Nieto-run Calvo Team will compete under factory Husqvarna branding next season, retaining Isaac Vinales and Granado for 2015.
Gardner is now flying to Spain before heading to Portimao, Portugal, this coming weekend for the next round of the Repsol CEV Championship.