Remy Gardner takes Moto2™ World Championship lead

Australia’s Remy Gardner leads the 2021 Moto2™ World Championship standings after clinching his third straight podium finish on Sunday.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider took third place at the Portuguese GP, having finished second at the opening two races of the season that were both held in Qatar.

Gardner, who started from second on the grid in Portugal, overtook Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) late on to complete the podium.

The race was won by Gardner’s teammate Raul Fernandez, who charged through the field to claim a sensational first victory in the intermediate class.

Aron Canet (Solunion Aspar Team) separated the Red Bull KTM Ajo pair on the podium.

Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) conceded the Moto2™ championship lead after crashing out at Turn 1 on the opening lap of the race, allowing Gardner to take the overall ascendancy.

Gardner, who claimed his maiden Moto2™ win at the same circuit last year, said he was happy with the result at Portimao.

“Maybe I expected a little more from Portugal, seeing as how last year went well and bearing in mind how all the practice sessions had gone, but in the race, it was a bit more tough,” Gardner said.

“My tyres had gone by the end and I made quite a few mistakes that I need to improve on for the future, but I’m happy to be able to round off the weekend with a podium.

“These points are good for the World Championship and we must continue working hard for the rest of the year.”

Gardner leads the 2021 Moto2™ riders’ standings on 56 points, followed by Fernandez (52 points) and Lowes (50).

Moto2™ returns to action in two weeks’ time for the Spanish GP at Jerez on 30 April – 2 May 2021.