GRT Yamaha Merry-Go-Round Continues as Delbianco Replaces Gardner

GRT Yamaha will be relying on the services of Alessandro Delbianco for the second time this season, with the Italian called in to replace the injured Remy Gardner for the season finale at Jerez.

The former Moto2 world champion was in MotoGP action at Motegi prior to last weekend’s Estoril WorldSBK round where he suffered a fracture to the hamate bone in the left wrist.

Delbianco has competed in two rounds so far this season, including the inaugural Cremona event where he lined up for Motoxracing Yamaha alongside Bradley Ray.

Delbianco’s first appearance came in place of Dominique Aegerter at Magny-Cours, with Cremona taking place directly after. 

“I’m really sorry for Remy, I wish him a very speedy recovery,” said Delbianco. “I’m happy the team called me again and I’ll try to make my best again; in Magny-Cours we enjoyed a good round, and with more knowledge of the bike I hope I’ll be able to improve my feelings from the French round.

“I’ll be changing crew as I worked with Domi’s one previously, but Damiano [Evangelisti] will be my crew chief and I used to work with him in the Italian Championship.

“We had to miss our season finale in Italy, but we’ll have one here. I cannot wait to be back on track.”

Gardner was already set for back surgery after this season so his off-season will start early as a result of missing this weekend’s final round of 2024.

Team Principal, Filippo Conti added: “First of all, we would like to wish a speedy recovery to Remy, sending him a big hug following an unfortunate incident in Estoril. That means we'll have Alessandro with us one more time; in Magny-Cours he did a good job and we hope we'll be able to do it again, trying to improve, but the most important thing is to gain data.

“He'll work on Remy's side this time, with Damiano as crew chief: he already works with him in the Italian Championship, so he knows him well.

“On the other side of the garage, Domi pulled an impressive effort in Estoril, achieving strong points. The target for Jerez is the same, working also on his physical condition which is evolving each day.

“We had a strong season finale last year in Jerez, we would like to enjoy another one, being aware that the situation is quite different than 2023."

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