Hervé Poncharal, “bluffed” by Gardner and Fernandez in Misano

On the occasion of the second day of official testing in Misano, KTM gave Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez, the two leaders in the general classification in Moto2, the opportunity to take their first steps on the RC16 which they will ride next year under the colors of the Tech 3 team. 

And Hervé Poncharal, boss of the team, was full of praise for this day of discovery. “It’s one of the most enjoyable moments in a team manager’s career to put a driver on a MotoGP, confided the Frenchman. Because it's what he's always dreamed of since he started racing and it's the ultimate in terms of engine, brakes... It's always very interesting and enjoyable to be present when they return in the box after their first run. When they took off their helmets, they both showed a very big smile. »

First 47 laps for Remy in MotoGP today 🤩#MisanoTest #MotoGP #Tech3KTMFactoryRacing #RG87 @MotoGP pic.twitter.com/raYvJOesKh

- Tech3 Racing (@ Tech3Racing) September 22, 2021

In addition to being impressed by the brakes or the power, the two teammates were also surprised by the ease of a MotoGP. “They are not the first to say it,” admitted Hervé Poncharal. The electronics are much more advanced than in Moto2. In Moto2, the rider is more the conductor compared to a MotoGP where you can accelerate and the electronics manage the power according to the grip you have at that moment. » 

Unlike other MotoGP bikes deemed easier for a beginner to get into, the RC16 is often seen as one of the less obvious machines, but that apparently wasn't the view of Gardner and Fernandez. “They were expecting a bike that you had to fight with and quite the contrary, according to their feedback, it is smooth, it brakes and turns very well and they had very good feedback from the front end. Both told me that the bike was easy and that it gave them confidence. »

These smiles say it all 😄
Back at the garage after their first ride 🏍💨#MisanoTest #MotoGP #Tech3KTMFactoryRacing # RF25 #RG87 @MotoGP pic.twitter.com/wkv0anJdS0

- Tech3 Racing (@ Tech3Racing) September 22, 2021

The two future rookies in the premier category only had two sets of tires for this discovery day. Fernandez still clocked a time of 1'34.360, a little less than 3.3 seconds off the record set by Francesco Bagnaia in Q2 last Saturday. Gardner set a time of 1'35.086 despite a small fall at turn 10 without consequences for him or the bike. “The main goal was for them to adapt to the bike and to give us their comments on their position. Usually, we waste half a day finding the right handlebars, footrest plates or saddle pads. So today it was one of our priorities to make sure they felt good. This way we can prepare the bike for them for the first 2022 pre-season test in Jerez. »

As for the results of this day, Hervé Poncharal added: “We gave them two sets of tires. We didn't want them to do anything stupid in relation to their primary objective of being Moto2 world champion. They still did some nice times. I sincerely think that they will be two good customers in MotoGP. They both impressed us with their interesting comments even though they have little motorcycle experience. I was amazed by the acuity and quality of their feedback even though they are more than beginners. I think they're going to give us a great rookie season. » 

That's what it says! Gardner and Fernandez will be among the starters next season alongside (for the moment) Fabio Di Giannantonio.