Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was the fastest rider over the course of the two-day test at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, setting the quickest time on both days. On the second day, the Australian put in a lap that was under than the pole time from the recent Prometeon Spanish Round to claim top spot and, speaking after the day’s action concluded, the #87 revealed that “there was a bit more I could’ve done” despite being almost three tenths clear.

On the opening day of action, the 2021 Moto2™ Champion set a 1’39.837s to claim top spot but he improved on this massively on day two. Using Pirelli’s SCQ tyre, Gardner put in a barnstorming lap of 1’38.448s to finish in P1, almost three tenths clear of Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). The Yamaha rider’s time would’ve put him on pole position at Jerez last weekend by two tenths, to show how rapid his speed was during the test.

Despite his strong pace, Gardner believed there was more to come from him after a few mistakes on his fastest lap cost him time. Despite this, it continued his run of strong form over after enjoying one of his best weekends of his rookie season at Jerez. He was P4 in Race 2, equalling his best result, as he ended 2023 on a high.

Looking back on the test, Gardner said: “It’s been a positive test. The pace has been really good over the two days, with the race tyre and obviously today, at the end, we put in two SCQs and did a really great lap time. There was a little bit more I could’ve done. I made a few mistakes on that lap but quite happy with the two days went. It wasn’t a perfect lap, but it wasn’t bad. More than the lap, I’m happy with the improvements we’ve made over the two days with what Yamaha have brought.”

Yamaha lost Toprak Razgatlioglu for 2024 but replaced one Champion with another as Jonathan Rea joined the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK team. Although not in the same team, Gardner was keen to learn from the six-time Champion as well as see what the Northern Irishman can bring to the manufacturer, as they look to win back the title they last won in 2021.

Discussing Rea’s arrival, Gardner said: “Jonny surprised me with how fast he got on with the bike. That shows the experience he has. I’m really excited to see what Jonny can bring to the table and help develop the bike, and also for me to learn off Jonny. With so much experience, you can always learn something. Really great to have Jonny with Yamaha.”

Catch up on all the day two action HERE and watch interviews and highlights from the test using the WorldSBK VideoPass!