By Raquel Jimenez Rodriguez / Motosan.es
A few days before heading to Sepang to get back on his MotoGP bike, Remy Gardner spoke to the Motosan microphone and talked about his current form.
With a name that has marked the history of motorcycling, Remy gardner, Moto2 world champion and MotoGP rider with KTM Tech3, is one of the men of the moment. From a legendary father to a son who has already written history, with a future in the premier category that he faces this year and with a clear objective. The Australian, who already has half Spanish nationality, has very clear ideas and despite the fact that his career has not been easy, he knows that motorcycling is his life: he has it in his blood.
Remy Gardner, Moto2 world champion and MotoGP rider, how does that sound?
Remy Gardner: « I still can't believe it. (laughs) »
Did you think this moment would come after all the bad times you've been through?
« It finally happened after many difficult years. I went through some pretty tough days and years where I felt like I wasn't going to do anything and in the end I was able to do it and win the title. »
What was going through your mind when you crossed the finish line as world champion?
« A lot of emotions. But to tell you the truth, I still can't believe it. Yesterday I was with a friend after practice and I told him, “Man, I won.” It's very strong, I can't believe it. »
As we have already said, you must have experienced very complicated moments to get to this moment. What was the most difficult moment?
« The moment I broke both legs in training. I was in pretty bad shape, with a compound fracture in my left leg and a broken right ankle, six fractures and a blow to the head that left me unconscious for a while. On this occasion, I was hospitalized for a week, three plates, 19 screws, I was destroyed. It happened in the middle of the season, in Jerez, and I had no bike, no results… At that moment I thought it was the end of my career, but ultimately I I recovered, I was able to do something good with Tech3 and get a contract with Edu Perales' Stop and Go. »
It's very special, but you are certainly made of different material: how did you manage to continue after such an injury?
« I don't know it myself. It's difficult, both mentally and physically, but in the end I told myself that if I didn't pull myself together, there would be no more races, and I didn't really have a choice. So we got back on our feet and that was it. »
Along with the Roberts family, the Gardners are the second father and son to have been able to win a title. Is it true to say that talent is in the blood? Or is it something we work on?
« No, I think it can be worked on (laughs). In the beginning, having a father who can give you a lot of information and help you matters a lot. But from the professional level you have to have your own backbone. »
Does being the son of a legend like Wayne Gardner put more pressure on you?
« I don't think it's a handicap, but it has its good and bad sides, like everything. The good thing is that the man knows (laughs). And the worst thing is that people think I have the pressure because I'm the son. He has a past that reflects a little on me, but it's also a good thing because he was able to guide me to get to where I am. »
In a few days you will travel to Sepang for the first pre-season tests of 2022. What do you expect from these tests?
« I hope to adapt a little more. Ultimately a test is about doing laps, as this helps a lot in understanding the bike. I hope to adapt a little more to the KTM and understand the electronics, continue to build a good relationship with the team so that we can understand each other well and try to prepare for Qatar. »
If you had to define your first contact with MotoGP in one word, what would it be?
« Fast, rather, rather fast (laughs). »
So there is a lot of difference with Moto2?
« Like day and night. »
Were you able to speak to Dani Pedrosa?
« Yes, yes, he was in Jerez and the truth is that he helped us a lot. He was a coach and on the days he wasn't testing he would help us with some basic MotoGP stuff. This gives me confidence for when I am in Malaysia. »
How do you like being able to work with a driver like Dani Pedrosa?
« He has a lot of experience, he's a great driver, a great person, and to have the tips and advice from such a great driver is great. On top of that, he is a current MotoGP rider, with all the electronics, so he will have a lot of experience and will be able to help us a lot. »
You're coming to one of the most balanced moments in MotoGP: can this help you, or will it be even more difficult?
« Yes, it's pretty balanced. All the bikes are very equal, in terms of riders there is a beastly level recently, there are generally all the rookies from previous years in Moto2 who seemed good. There are a lot of fast riders, a lot of good brands and it's going to be complicated. But, at the same time, this way I learn things quickly and I'm sure it will push me to get the most out of the bike and myself. It's a new story, a new project and we have to work hard to enjoy it. »
In recent years, young drivers have become very strong. Maybe in a few years we'll see Remy Gardner fighting for the MotoGP title?
« It wouldn't be bad (laughs) but we shouldn't get carried away either, because that way we'll hurt ourselves. We must move forward step by step and always keep our feet on the ground, that's for sure. Step by step. »
You arrive in MotoGP just as Valentino Rossi retires: do you regret not having been able to race with him?
« A lot (laughs)! I was very sad when I heard the news, because it was a dream come true to race with Valentino Rossi. But like all good things, it always comes to an end and I understand that. The man is quite old, he doesn't get results, so it's understandable, there's nothing, that's how it is. »
You will share the box with Raúl Fernández, whom you already know quite well. Do you think the fact that you were rivals this year will help you work as a team this season?
« Of course, it's absolutely safe. Just looking at this year as a team we were pretty strong, we won the team title by I don't know how many points, and I think that came from the fact that we both of us pulled forward and pushed each other. We also compare everything and learn from each other, both of us. It's good because we're moving forward and I think it's going to be very good for KTM and the Tech3 team. »
Finally, what is your goal for this season?
« The objective would above all be to try to fight for the title of rookie of the year. And the goal for the end of the year would be to try to fight with the factory KTMs. »
Read the original article on Motosan.es
Raquel Jimenez Rodriguez
