The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider claims his third consecutive victory at the Americas Grand Prix, whilst Gardner crashes out when in second position.

Raul Fernandez enjoyed a dream weekend in Austin, topping every practice session, taking the pole position and winning the race. The Spaniard performed an epic feat in achieving his third consecutive victory – his seventh of the season. The result saw him match the record number of contest victories for a rookie in the intermediate class. Teammate Remy Gardner was on course to join him on the podium but was unable to finish after suffering a crash on Lap 7 when in second position.

Taking off from the pole position, Fernandez used the clear path ahead of him to push hard in the lead in the early stages of the race. His teammate Gardner mounted a brief challenge, but after leaving him behind, Fernandez proved to be a class above. The Spaniard imposed a change of pace and, after breaking the race lap record, he opened up a gap of more than a second on Lap 3. Fernandez earned his seventh win of the season – the ninth of his career.

Gardner, who started from the second position on the grid, got off the line well. The Australian tried to challenge his teammate for the lead, but was unable to prevent his escape and was left battling amongst the chasing group. Gardner managed to break free of the pack in second place, until an unfortunate crash at Turn 15 of Lap 7 took him out of the race.

Gardner continues to lead the Moto2 World Championship with 271 points. Fernandez is second with 262. Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 will return to action at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix from October 22nd-24th.

Results (Moto2 Race)
1. Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 39:10.521
2. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Kalex) +1.734
3. Marco Bezzecchi (Kalex) +3.100
4. Augusto Fernandez (Kalex) +4.061
5. Cameron Beaubier (Kalex) +5.381
DNF. Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo)

Moto2 World Championship Standing 2021
1. Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 271 points
2. Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 262 points
3. Marco Bezzecchi (Kalex) 206 points
4. Sam Lowes (Kalex) 140 points
5. Augusto Fernandez (Kalex) 131 points

Moto2 World Championship Team Standing 2021
1. Red Bull KTM Ajo 533 points
2. Elf Marc VDS Racing Team 271 points
3. Sky Racing Team VR46 259 points
4. Idemitsu Honda Team Asia 150 points
5. Inde Aspar Team 147 points

AKI AJO – TEAM MANAGER 

“It was an incredible weekend for Raul [Fernandez]. Getting such a high number of poles and victories in his rookie season was something we couldn’t have imagined at the beginning of the year. Again, he showed that he is very strong right now. I want to congratulate him and thank the entire team for the great job they are doing. I also want to thank KTM and Red Bull for helping us achieve these great results. However, today we have conflicting feelings. Remy [Gardner] had a good pace throughout the round, but unfortunately crashed out. That was his first mistake in 2021 and we have to accept that these things can happen. Now we have to stay focused for this championship battle between our two riders that awaits us between now and the end of the campaign.”

87 REMY GARDNER

“Unfortunately, we crashed today, and we were not able to finish. I was pushing really hard, and we had a good pace, but this is racing and sometimes we make mistakes. The important thing is that we are still leaders of the World Championship and there are still three rounds to go. Of course, I will fight and give my all until the end. We have to maintain a positive mentality and try not to make any more mistakes for the remainder of the season.”

25 RAUL FERNANDEZ

“I’m speechless. It was a perfect weekend: We led every session, we dominated the race from start to finish and also set the fastest lap. The team worked like never before at this Grand Prix and, at a circuit as difficult as this one, we managed the round well. We achieved a win and we remain focused on our work. I want to thank the team because we are doing things well despite any adversity. I also want to mention my family because we are all fighting for the same thing. Finally, I want to dedicate this win to Dean [Berta Viñales], since these are very tough times for his family.”