The official KTM team is sold out for the next two seasons, Jack Miller having recently been confirmed next to Brad Binder, but no decision has been made for Tech3. The only certainty is that the Austrian manufacturer’s satellite team should not keep the same duo next season.
Remy Gardner et Raul Fernandezthe first two in Moto2 last season, are having a difficult first campaign in MotoGP and KTM wants to inject more experience into the formation of Bormes-les-Mimosas. Pol Espargaro might thus reconnect with the brand whose colors he wore from 2017 to 2020 but also with Tech3, with whom he played his first three seasons in the premier category.
“We have already made an announcement for the factory team, which is a good boost for us, and we need time to make our decision with Hervé [Poncharal] and Tech3 for the satellite team line-up”explained Francesco Guidotti, team manager of the official KTM team, during a press conference in Assen. “Some decisions are in the works.”
Raul Fernandez and Remy Gardner
“Of course, seen from the outside, it’s easy to judge and say ‘that’s good, that’s not’ [rires] but when the decision [de titulariser Gardner et Fernández] was taken, the circumstances had led to it and at that time she seemed to be the best”added the manager. “I think we will take into account many factors for the satellite team.”
“Of course, many people and parties are involved, above all Hervé. We need more experience in this team to do the development of the bike. It can be a crucial key.”
Tech3 might nevertheless retain one of its two current pilots. At the end of last year, KTM seemed to place high hopes in Fernández, established in MotoGP despite a reluctance displayed by the person concerned, more tried by a Yamaha satellite or a second season in the intermediate category.
The situation seems to have changed and the latest rumors now give Gardner more chances to keep his place. The Australian has four points finishes, twice his team-mate, and he has scored nine points, four more than his runner-up in Moto2.
With Charlotte Guerdoux
