Image: Supplied.

MotoGP rookie Remy Gardner has moved to defend his manager Paco Sanchez from allegations made by father Wayne Gardner as the reason for the reigning Moto2 world champion’s exit from Tech3 KTM Factory Racing after just one season.

Following heavy speculation, a ‘heartbroken’ Gardner claimed at the San Marino GP that Herve Poncheral’s outfit will dismiss him at year-end on the basis of not being ‘professional enough’.

However, across the Misano weekend, Wayne Gardner took to Twitter to accuse Sanchez of unprofessional behaviour. He tweeted: “Finally the GP paddock is waking up to Paco the [clown emoji] blatant lies and incompetent management skills which unfortunately has cost Remy Gardner his MotoGP career.”

The former 500cc world champion followed up yesterday and shared: “It’s very sad to see Remy’s MotoGP future coming will end in 2022 because of his so called manager Paco Sanchez ridiculous behaviour with KTM.

“Remy has the talent and potential to win but he needs many changes in his inner circle of management team and other areas.”

Sanchez – who also manages former MotoGP world champion Joan Mir – has the support of Remy who apologised for his father’s comments, via Twitter.

“I am very sorry for the words of Wayne Gardner against my manager,” Remy Gardner shared. “Paco isn’t responsible for my KTM exit, and I fully trust in his professionalism and honesty. Together we will find a new project to continue enjoying this sport that I love so much.”

Regarding Gardner’s future, a place on the MotoGP grid is unlikely for 2023, with the Mooney VR46 Racing Team expected to resign Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi, and LCR Honda either to continue with Takaaki Nakagami or promote Ai Ogura.

Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider Augusto Fernandez is tipped to replace Gardner next year at Tech3 as the outfit makes the switch to GasGas.

At last weekend’s San Marino GP, Gardner finished 19th, and is 23rd in the 2022 MotoGP World Championship standings, one point ahead of current teammate Raul Fernandez who will move to RNF Racing on an Aprilia for next year.