Image: Supplied.

Australian debutant Remy Gardner enters his rookie MotoGP campaign open-minded, the Moto2 world champion set for the season ahead with the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing team.

The 23-year-old steps up to the premier class with six grand prix victories to his credit, getting to experience his first taste of the RC16 at Misano last year.

With the European winter break in arrears, Gardner now looks ahead to the 2022 season, looking to build upon successful outings conducted last year in the MotoGP category.

“I am thrilled to start my first season in the MotoGP class,” Gardner stated. “This is the dream of every motorcycle racer and I cannot wait to get started.

“We already had a few tests in 2021 that were encouraging, so I am very excited to improve myself, continue to discover the bike, and be able to learn about this amazing class with so many talented riders. I am also looking forward to working again with Tech3, getting along with the team, and continuing the relationship with KTM.

“This is going to be a long, but interesting year. I know it won’t always be easy but I will always push, try and give the best of myself in order to get the best results we can without going too crazy. I will certainly take this season step by step, but I am very excited to start riding again.”

Gardner’s pre-season preparation hasn’t been all smooth sailing, recently injuring his right wrist in a motocross training accident. While he still has over a month to prepare before the opener in Qatar on 6 March, it can be expected that the crack in his right wrist could cause discomfort during this week’s testing in Malaysia.

On-track action at Sepang begins today with the Shakedown test – rookies such as Gardner and test riders eligible – as the rest of the MotoGP regulars are set to take to the Malaysian circuit on 5-6 February for the first test of the year.