Remy Gardner on podium for first time, Jack Miller fourth in fabulous day for the Aussies in Argentina

Two years after snapping his leg at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit, Australia’s Remy Gardner — son of former world champion Wayne — has secured his first world championship podium result.

Remy Gardner has secured first world championship podium result, finishing second in the Moto2 race in Argentina, 32 years after his father Wayne won the world 500cc championship.

A great day for the Aussies was capped with an eye-catching fourth by Jack Miller on the Ducati in the MotoGP race, won by defending champion Marc Marquez.

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Gardner, 21, piloted his SAG Racing Kalex to second behind Italian Lorenzo Baldassarri after missing out on a podium finish in Qatar three weeks ago when he was 0.002 seconds behind third-place finisher Marcel Shrotter.

The Argentinian result comes two years after Gardner broke his leg at the Termas de Río Hondo in 2017.

Australia’s Remy Gardner rides to second place at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit in Argentina. Picture: AP

“You have no idea how long I have been waiting for this,’’ Gardner said.

“I could’ve won it but Balda (Baldassarri) touched me and I got a bit out of shape on the brakes.

“I did it to the other guys so I’m not going to complain like a little girl, but I should have given him a bit more room and been a bit smarter with that tactic. I never gave up.

“Every time someone passed me, I was like no, I want this, and after losing out in Qatar by two 100ths when I saw Schrotter in front of me I thought, it’s not happening this time and so I just pulled my finger out and gave it everything.’’

Gardner is now in second position in the Moto2 championship and heads to the US GP in a fortnight full of confidence.

Australia’s Jack Miller (43) duels with Andrea Dovizioso. Miller carried the Kiwi silver fern on his race number as a tribute to the Christchurch shooting victims. Photo: AFP

Miller equalled his second-best placing with the fourth behind Marquez, Valentino Rossi and Andrea Dovizioso.

Miller said he was satisfied with the result but conceded inexperience may have let him down.

“I fought a lot with Petrucci and Morbidelli and this duel made me lose contact with the riders in front.

Ducati rider Jack Miller in the pits during free practice before the Argentina Grand Prix. Picture: AFP

“All thing considered it’s OK.’’

If nothing else, the fourth confirms that the 2019 Ducati and the bike set-up is competitive and puts Miller in contention for podium finishes.

Three weeks ago in Qatar the Queenslander was among the leaders when a loose seat undid his chances and he was forced to retire.

@IanRoyall

Originally published as Remy Gardner on podium for first time, Jack Miller fourth in fabulous day for the Aussies in Argentina