'Best ever' as Gardner 'shows he’s a top Moto2 rider'

Remy Gardner reached a new grand prix high with sixth place for the Tech3 team in Sunday's Argentina race.

The young Australian had already signalled his intent by leading the wet final practice session and swiftly fought his way forwards from ninth in the dry race.

Up to sixth by the halfway point, Gardner spent the closing stages successfully defending the position from Joan Mir (Kalex) and Dominique Aegerter (KTM).

“I’m extremely happy, the best result ever!" Gardner said.

"It’s been a really strong weekend. I think I made a big step, especially me and my riding, but also the bike was a little bit better.

"It was a tough race and I had to pick to choose some lines sometimes.

"It took me about six, seven laps to really understand where I can push. The group in the front finally made that gap and then it was kind of hard to catch back up.

"Definitely, a long race, mentally wise, alone, but we can be truly satisfied.”

“Remy really upped the level since the previous race in Qatar," said team boss Herve Poncharal. "He’s been fast in every condition and God knows, we had all conditions here in Argentina, full dry, full wet, intermediate track conditions.

"He was fastest in FP3 and did a good qualifying to be on the third row and he got a good start, put his head down, kept his rhythm and increased the pace lap by lap. I’m especially proud of him.

"Once he lost contact with the guys in front of him, he opened a gap to the rider following him. I think, Remy made a big step today and showed the world and to us, that he’s a top Moto2 rider, which I’m happy about and very proud.

"All together this is a great round two for the Tech3 Moto2 team. I think we will be strong again next race and I also want to give a big congratulation to the Kayaba guys.

"I think Yoshimoto-San and Stefan Kurfiss did a great job and their input, the level of their suspension, plus the level of their expertise with the setup of the bike has been playing a big part in Remy’s results.

"So, thanks to Kayaba, thanks to Remy and thanks to Bo. See you all in Texas.”

On the other side of the garage, Gardner's rookie team-mate Bo Bendsneyder endured a tough race on his way to 28th.

“From the beginning, I struggled a lot and until the end it was quite hard, a bit more than on other tracks," said the Dutchman. "I didn’t have the confidence to brake hard and I didn’t feel good straight away.

"Honestly, I think this was one of my worst races, but anyway, I’m looking forward to the next GP now and hopefully we can make a bigger step to the front. I just hope Austin is soon.”

"It’s been a tough weekend for Bo," confirmed Poncharal. "We don’t really understand at the moment what has been the reason for it, because he’s been fast all winter long.

"He was quick to adapt, was okay in Qatar, but here it was not where we think he wanted to be and not was his level truly is. But he is a rookie, he still has to learn and doesn’t have to worry about the package, so I’m confident."