Misano MotoGP test: KTM sends Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez out on track

The second day of MotoGP testing at Misano brought some ‘new’ riders to the track. Out with the team Tech3 KTM RC16 bikes were current Moto2 riders Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez, with Petrucci and Lecuona standing aside for the two new-entries.

A dream come true for Gardner and Fernandez

Before the test began, team manager Hervé Poncharal was sure to remove any pressure: “We don’t expect anything. It’s just a shakedown, nothing more. When a Moto2 rider has their first MotoGP test at Jerez, day one is always spent finding the right set-up for the footpegs, handlebar, seat and riding position. So the aim is to get on the bike and do some laps in order to give the team as much information as possible so they can prepare the bikes. And when they climb on the bike at Jerez after the end of the Moto2 season, we hope they are already comfortable on it."

"With both having signed for us for next year - continues Poncharal – it’s a prize for what they’re doing. Having them ride in MotoGP was their dream right from when they came to the championship. It will be interesting to hear their impressions when they take their helmets off.”

Talking about the ‘handover’ with Remy Gardner, Danilo Petrucci says: “I think Remy is a really good rider. We don’t have new parts to test or we’ve already tested things that were not too useful, so it’s better for him to ride”.

Translated by Heather Watson

Misano MotoGP test, Rossi and Dovizioso agree: “The feeling is improving”