The current Moto2 World Champion will stay with the KTM squad to make his premier class debut, while returning to Tech 3 after competing for the French team in the intermediate class in 2017 and 2018.
After his first win of the Moto2 season in 2021, the last time at Mugello, Gardner is also following in the footsteps of his father Wayne, who won the 500cc world title in 1987 in a high-profile career from 1983 to 1992.
Gardner is naturally excited about the deal as he knows his MotoGP future is assured, which means that he can focus on battling for this year’s Moto2 World Championship.
“I am very happy that KTM gave me this opportunity. For me, a dream that we have worked for so far has come true, ”said Gardner, who leads the Moto2 standings by six points. “It’s an incredible opportunity for me and I can’t wait to ride my bike.
“I want to thank KTM for believing in me. Right now we have to focus heavily on getting ready in 2021. I would also like to thank everyone who supported me in reaching MotoGP. We’re just getting started. “
Gardner is also the newest name to reach MotoGP in KTM’s rider academy, after current KTM MotoGP factory riders Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder. On Tuesday, Binder agreed a new three-year contract to stay with the KTM factory team until the end of 2024.
“It is a great pleasure for us to bring Remy into MotoGP next season because we knew about his speed and his abilities for Moto2 and he has confirmed this potential,” said Pit Beirer, Motorsport Director of KTM.
“We believe there is a lot more to be expected from him and it is important that he has the opportunity to continue to grow. Remy is a typical racing driver. He is super determined and never gives up. He is exciting to watch and we look forward to working with him on this next step.
“Here, too, we show that the KTM GP Academy offers riders who want to go all the way the right opportunity.”
Remy Gardner, Red Bull KTM Ajo
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
With Tech 3 signing Gardner for 2022, it means either Iker Lecuona or Danilo Petrucci will leave the team at the end of this season.
Lecuona joined Tech 3 from the final round of the 2019 MotoGP season, while Petrucci joined the Ducati factory team earlier this year.
“Although we’re headed into our 2021 season at full speed, having done six races with pretty good results in the last two laps, we also have to think about what our future will look like,” said Herve Poncharal, Tech 3 team manager.
“Winston Churchill said that to rule is to foresee, and I think we need to think about what the ideal line-up for 2022 could be.
“With Red Bull and KTM we have an incredible tool, from the Rookies Cup to the Moto3 World Championship teams to the official Moto2 team, so it was important to win Remy Gardner, who is now leading the Moto2 World Championship, after winning the last round in Mugello very skillfully.
“It was wise and good to secure him and give him the chance to finally realize his dream, which is to compete in MotoGP. We are very proud, happy and confident to welcome Remy. We believe he will be a great addition to the KTM MotoGP line-up and I think this decision will help Remy focus 100% on his Moto2 World Championship and us, the Tech 3 KTM Factory Racing Team to help focus on our 2021 season. “