Moto2: Australian Remy Gardner crowned world champion after Valencia Grand Prix
His dad Wayne did it 35 years ago in premier class and now Aussie Remy Gardner is following in his footsteps, after winning the Moto2 crown.
Australian rider Remy Gardner became Moto2 world champion on Sunday despite only finishing tenth at the concluding Valencia Grand Prix which was won by his main rival and Kalex teammate Raul Fernandez.
The 23-year-old, whose father Wayne Gardner was (premier class) 500cc world champion in 1987, finished just four points ahead of Fernandez, two years his junior.
Stream Every Practice, Qualifier & Race of the 2021 Moto GP Championship Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial >
Two more Kalex riders, Fabio di Giannantonio and Augusto Fernandez completed the Valencia podium following a shortened 16-lap race that was interrupted owing to several falls.
Gardner and Raul Fernandez, who notched his eighth victory of the season, are both set to make the step up to MotoGP next season at KTM-Tech3.
Spain’s Xavier Artigas of Honda won his maiden Moto3 GP on the same track earlier.
His countryman Pedro Acosta, winner of the world title last week at the age of just 17, fell on the final lap.
“I feel great,” said the 18-year-old winner.
“It was a tough day but I went all in.”
A 75,000 crowd was out at the Ricardo Tormo track, that has seen a series of falls in practice in the lead up.
All eyes will be on the MotoGP on the same track later when seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi will bring the curtain down on a career which started in 1996.
Moto 2 result: 1. Raul Fernandez (ESP/Kalex) 25:38.612, 2. Fabio di Giannantonio (ITA/Kalex) at 0.517, 3. Augusto Fernandez (ESP/Kalex) 0.786, 4. Celestino Vietti (ITA/Kalex) 2.393, 5. Aron Canet (ESP/Boscoscuro) 4.978 Selected: 10. Remy Gardner (AUS/Kalex) 9.112 Standings (season ending) 1. Remy Gardner (AUS/Kalex) 311 pts, 2. Raul Fernandez (ESP/Kalex) 307, 3. Marco Bezzecchi (ITA/Kalex) 214, 4. Sam Lowes (GBR/Kalex) 190, 5. Augusto Fernandez (ESP/Kalex) 174
Moto 3 result: 1. Xavier Artigas (ESP/Honda) 38min 30.302sec, 2. Sergio Garcia (ESP/GasGas) at 0.043, 3. Jaume Masia (ESP/KTM) 0.232, 4. Filip Salac (CZE/Honda) 0.443, 5. Deniz Oncu (TUR/KTM) 0.540 Standings (season ending) 1. Pedro Acosta (ESP/KTM) 259 pts, 2. Dennis Foggia (ITA/Honda) 216, 3. Sergio Garcia (ESP/GasGas) 188, 4. Jaume Masia (ESP/KTM) 171, 5. Romano Fenati (ITA/Husqvarna)
Originally published as Moto2: Australian Remy Gardner crowned world champion after Valencia Grand Prix
How $4.5bn takeover could change motorsport forever
Liberty Media’s agreement to buy MotoGP’s commercial rights holder could shake up the premier two-wheel racing category — but will it be for the better?
F1 owners acquire MotoGP in eye-watering $6.9b deal
Formula One owners Liberty Media have agreed to buy MotoGP in a deal valued at around an eye-watering $4.5 billion.
Everything you need to know ahead of the Aus GP
With Australia’s Grand Prix taking place this weekend here is a complete guide to prepare you for the annual event, including teams, drivers, schedule, circuit, results and more.