Source: Supplied.

An early crash on lap two in the Moto2 class saw Remy Gardner’s Malaysian grand prix come to a premature end, forcing him to retire from the 19-lap race.

The Australian started from P25, making passes on 11 riders throughout the opening lap, however while challenging for a top 10 position, Gardner came into contact with another rider, ultimately hitting the ground and being unable to remount aboard his Tech 3 Racing machine.

“We worked well all weekend,” Gardner reflected. “And even though it didn’t come together in qualifying I was really confident of a good race today. I made an almost perfect start, passing almost a dozen riders in the first ten corners.

“Everything was looking good, until I underestimated how slow the next rider in front of me was. I think he knew I was behind him before he turned in, yet he chopped my nose, we touched and then I fell. It was really unlucky but that’s racing, what else can I say.

“I’m sorry we both went down and I am sorry that the team didn’t get both bikes in the top 10 which I think was possible today. There’s one race left and I will be giving 100 percent to end the season in the points before the hard work begins for 2018.”

Gardner sits 20th in the championship standings as just one round remains in the Moto2 World Championship, scheduled for 12 November at Valencia in Spain.