Gardner looking for ‘step forward’ in qualifying, momentum with Fernandez

Moto2 championship leader Remy Gardner is aiming to put his first non top five finish of the year behind him with a ‘step forward’ in qualifying at Silverstone, while team-mate Raul Fernandez comes into the weekend off the back of a season high fourth win.

Robert Jones

26 Aug 2021

Raul Fernandez, Remy Gardner, Moto2 race, Dutch MotoGP, 27 June 2021
© Gold and Goose

Red Bull KTM Ajo riders Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez both come into this weekend’s British Moto2 with podium aspirations following a contrasting AustrianGP.

Gardner was unable to keep his stunning run of 11 consecutive top five finishes intact as he ended the race seventh, while Fernandez took a fourth win of the year - most of any rider this season.

Although fifth place in qualifying is usually not a bad result, it was one that left the Australian vulnerable heading into the tight turn one at the Red Bull Ring, which ultimately ruined Gardner’s race after being pushed wide and off-track.

It’s therefore no surprise Gardner is aiming to make a ‘step forward’ in this area at Silverstone.

Gardner added: "The last race was quite tough for us, so this weekend we are very keen to make up for it and get a good result.

"We will work hard with the team to take a step forward in qualifying, in order to be more consistent and be higher up the grid, so that what happened at the previous Grand Prix is not repeated.

"I like Silverstone as it has quite fast corners. The objective is once again to get into the Top 5 and, if possible, fight for the podium.

"The important thing is to get as many points as possible by the end of the year and not make mistakes."

For Fernandez, the AustrianGP brought the rookie back into championship contention after halving the points deficit to Gardner - now just 19 points.

"The last race was incredible. It was a circuit that didn't suit my riding style and getting such a good result after the first contest, where we didn't get the position we wanted, was an extra motivation for me," said Fernandez.

"This weekend, I want to keep the same calm and concentration to be able to enjoy on the bike from the first outing on the track.

"I really like Silverstone, but we haven't been there for two years. This is good for us because the riders who have competed there in previous years have less recent data.

"The aim is to have fun and try to get the podium, as I am in my best form of the entire season."