GP Indonesia, Gardner: “Mandalika is Phillip Island... but 25° hotter"

Lombok Island, the stage for the Indonesian MotoGP, is one beautiful place. All the riders love it, not least Remy Gardner, an Australian who is “used” to tracks overlooking the sea. The KTM Tech3 rider draws a comparison to help describe the atmosphere: "A beautiful track, it really is. It reminds me of Phillip Island in some ways. But here it’s about 25° hotter".

The current Moto2 champion explains the difference in climate: "In Australia we race when it’s cold, but here at Mandalika it’s insanely hot. That aside, both tracks are technical and demanding. We’ll see how it goes, but I feel ready for the challenge”.

Remy’s injured hand is improving

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Among other things, not least the move from the middle to the top class, Gardner has also faced a challenging winter as he adapts to the new bike. The injury he sustained over the winter seems to be water under the bridge, or almost: "My wrist is improving, in fact I rode well in Qatar. The Lusail race was my first in MotoGP and my sensations were positive, though I’m not yet 100%".

Remy’s aim is to grow consistently: “Yes, we need time and miles. We’ll get there step by step. The RC16 has great potential, I’m working hard to understand its reactions. And I’m also learning more about the tyres. Things are going well, as I’ve said, the aim is consistent growth".

The toughest part of the weekend regards the securing of grid positions: "Qualifying is insane, the bike expresses incredible lateral forces, in acceleration and braking, and the rider is pretty stressed. The speeds are incredible, especially when you put fresh tyres in. It’s crazy”.

Translated by Heather Watson

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