Remy Gardner (Yamaha): “We need to make some important decisions”

Remy Gardner’s move from the GP paddock to the production-based World Championship paddock has not yet been a success story. As a rookie in 2023, he achieved his best final position of ninth, and in 134 Superbike races he has managed just two podium finishes. Yet the 28-year-old rides a factory bike for the Yamaha Giansanti Racing team.

Last season was a bitter one for Gardner, in which he scored just 63 points (16th in the World Championship) – only half the points he secured in 2025. The fact that the R1 lacked punch is, of course, also a factor. The Australian himself is disillusioned.

“The season was really tough and didn’t go at all as I, Yamaha or the team had imagined,” Gardner admitted to the official World Superbike Championship website. “We’ll analyse everything and try to find a way to improve in 2027. Hopefully we’ll step up and put in a few strong races. It would be nice if we could move a bit further up the order. How we manage the transition to Michelin tyres will have a major impact. From a riding perspective, we’ll have to make some key decisions, and I think the early rounds in particular could offer us an opportunity, whilst everyone is still coming to terms with the new situation.”

Gardner will be completing his fifth season with the Giansanti team in 2027, although his current contract only runs until the end of this season. There’s been a key change within his team: a new crew chief.

“Never before in my career have I spent so many years with one and the same team – they’re like a family to me. We all know each other very well, which helps us get the most out of everything,” the Yamaha rider is convinced. “I’ll be getting a new crew chief, though, so that will bring a breath of fresh air. We’ll be testing in Valencia for two days in December to get to know the Michelin tyres and ensure our package works with them. Otherwise, I’ll be relaxing a bit over the winter.”

Gardner is expected to work with Luca Minelli in the Superbike World Championship; Minelli was previously in charge of Álvaro Bautista at Barni Ducati.