Image: Supplied.

Australian MotoGP rookie Remy Gardner fought to claim a first MotoGP point on debut in Qatar’s 2022 season-opening round, the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing rider emerging best in a four-rider battle for 15th position.

Still recovering from a fractured right wrist sustained in the off-season, Gardner qualified 22nd and notably 0.511s ahead of fellow newcomer and teammate Raul Fernandez.

Current Moto2 world champion Gardner held position come to the end of lap one, riding a controlled race to capitalise on his rivals’ errors and move his way forwards as the race progressed, going on to finish as the top-placed rookie and scoring a single point in the process.

“Although it is not where we want to be, it is nice to get a MotoGP point,” Gardner explained. “I felt good and fast during the first half of the race, however, I was expecting a bit more speed and found myself struggling to overtake during the first laps.

“Brad [Binder] did a podium today, so we need to look at his data and what he did in order to help us improve and go faster – it is a great result for KTM. Anyway, we finished the race today and we will take experience from it when heading to Mandalika.”

While the number 87 can draw positives from what was achieved at Lusail, Gardner remains heavily-focussed on extracting the most out of the RC16, with seasoned Red Bull KTM rider Binder finishing 40 seconds up the road in second.