Remy Gardner: I want to try MotoGP bike without traction control

Once his fractured wrist has fully healed, MotoGP rookie Remy Gardner hopes to try riding the KTM without any traction control, to aid his set-up and understanding of the RC16.

The reigning Moto2 champion, who has generally been asking for reduced electronic interference since his debut on the premier-class bike, said he doesn't want to fall into the trap of trying to cover-up handling issues by cutting power.

"The plan [was to start the test without electronics] but we started with them but every time we were going less and less. I still want to try the bike, when I’m fit, without traction control," said the Tech3 KTM rider.

"I spoke to Dani [Pedrosa] about it and he said it’s possible, it’s no drama, you just have to be very careful with the gas. He said if you like sliding and turning with the rear like Casey [Stoner] it can work. It is something interesting for the future.

"In the end, if you open up the gas enough even with the electronics then it will spin. It’s the point of finding that grip and spin to go forward. Also if the bike is not turning with the front then you can turn it with the rear and I have a bit more control with that.

"It’s something to look at in the future but not just yet. I haven’t tried it yet with the big bike and there is definitely some more physical exertion with these compared to Moto2. It will be good when I am fully fit and ready to go."

But Gardner, whose father Wayne won the 1987 500cc title in the pre-traction control era, made clear that riding a modern MotoGP bike is far from easy even with electronics.

"You still need to ride the bike and it’s f**king hard. You need to keep on it. For sure there are a lot of controls and I think it is important not to get caught in this loop of ‘I have a problem, let’s put some electronics on it’.

"I think it’s important to fix these issues with the bike and not throw electronics and let it sort it out.

"For sure we still need them, to help physically and keep a consistent lap-time and to keep the bikes under control but every time we ride - from Misano to Jerez to here - we have made big steps.

"The electronics are still going to be necessary at some points, especially with wheelie control."

Having undergone surgery just two weeks before starting the Sepang Shakedown, Gardner's injured right wrist was feeling the strain by Sunday's fifth and final day on track in Malaysia.

"The wrist is really sore. It’s day five and even after day one it was sore!" he said. "Honestly I’m surprised we made the test to be honest because when we got here last Sunday it was still black and blue and I didn't know if I could ride. It’s a miracle I am here.

"The goal was to learn as much as possible. For sure I cannot ride the bike at the complete limit just yet. It’s hard for me to find the limit on the front end when I’m pushing and I’m not in the condition to be saving stuff.

"Also change of direction and pushing on the handlebars: I’m not ready for that.

"I’m missing the aggression at the moment but we are not completely far away. For sure the position is not great, but then taking everything into account..."

Gardner was 23rd fastest at the Sepang test, but only 1.2s from leader Enea Bastianini (Gresini Ducati). The fastest rookie was Marco Bezzecchi (VR46 Ducati) in 16th, with Miguel Oliveira one place ahead of the Italian as the top KTM.

"We’re only 0.4-5 off Miguel at the moment so it’s not bad," said Gardner. "Just little bits here and there and if I was fit then another step closer. Some things I am even doing better. Looking at telemetry helps a lot. When you see the speeds then you can see the lines, when to pick up the gas, when to pick up the bike, to brake. There is definitely a lot of information you can use to help you."

The Australian now has just four days off before returning to the track for the final pre-season test at Indonesia's new Mandalika circuit.

"Every day we learn something on the bike. The more days we can do the better," Gardner said. "Four days rest will be enough to feel better."

Team-mate Raul Fernandez was 19th fastest, 0.2s quicker than Gardner.