Gardner: 2019 Kalex 'working well for me'

Remy Gardner isn't too concerned at starting the new Moto2 season, in Qatar this weekend, still on last year's 2019-spec Kalex chassis.

The young Australian, who has remained with the ONEXOX SAG team, was third fastest during the final pre-season test at the Losail circuit.

"I never got to try the 2020 Kalex, but the 2019 Kalex is working well for me," he said in Qatar on Thursday.

Gardner, son of former 500cc world champion Wayne, made a brilliant start to last season with fourth in the opening race hotly followed by a debut podium courtesy of a runner-up finish in Argentina.

But his fortunes then took a dive.

"I think it was more pressure from myself, to be honest," he explained. "We started so well and it was my first year of really being at the front.

"I was kind of dropped in the deep end of the pool. So I was kind of like a deer caught in the headlights. I wanted that victory and more podiums after Argentina.

"There were a few mistakes on my behalf and some bad luck, unfortunately, but this year I'm hoping to learn from those."

The 22-year-old added: "I want to be starting this season like we did last year, when we went off with a bang. Pre-season testing has been quite good, just working a lot with my new crew chief and things are quite positive.

"I can't wait to start this weekend."

And will he feel any extra pressure, with Moto2 being elevated to the main event, after the cancellation of the MotoGP activities this weekend?

"For me it doesn't change. As soon as you put the helmet on, it's a race. We're just going to go out there and do all we can to win," Gardner said.