With many Australians showcasing their skills abroad in a range of disciplines both on-track and off-road, our monthly column focuses on how they’re faring in 2022 battling it out with the best in their chosen classes against the best riders in the world. Ed Stratmann has us covered with “Aussies Racing Abroad”.
Jack Miller – MotoGP
Although Jack Miller couldn’t end his season in style at the MotoGP finale at Valencia on his Ducati farewell, there’s still been many positives to be gained from his 2022 season.
Starting the race second on the grid, the number 43 mixed it with the frontrunners for the majority of the race and was looking on track for a potential podium finish. Sadly, however, disaster struck for the charismatic Aussie when he crashed out with roughly four laps remaining while in third.
“I’m really sorry about the crash today. I was pushing hard because I knew Aleix [Espargaro] didn’t finish the race, and 25 points would put me ahead of him in the standings, which was my goal,” Miller lamented. “Unfortunately, the start didn’t go exactly as I expected, and it was really hard to overtake today, except by taking advantage of other people’s mistakes. However, I am very happy for Pecco [Francesco Bagnaia], who has had an extraordinary year, never giving up and proving to everyone that he is the best. My last race with Ducati brings with it some sadness because, with this team, I had a great time and built fantastic relationships with all the people in the team, but now I will focus on my near future.”
Ultimately ending the campaign fifth in the standings having bagged one win and five podiums, the 27-year-old will now immediately recalibrate his focus to 2023, where he’ll be eager to get cracking and assimilate rapidly into life with the Red Bull KTM Factory team.
Remy Gardner – MotoGP
Remy Gardner concluded his MotoGP crusade on a positive note by finishing an outstanding 13th in Valencia. Despite starting way back in 20th, Gardner settled into his groove quickly and rapidly went about carving his way through the pack. Making short work of those ahead of him with a series of incisive passes, there was much to admire about his efforts that eventually propelled him into 13th.
“My start was so-so but after that I was on a mission and was picking them off. I got up to 14th and was about to pass Alex Marquez when he crashed and I had to pick it up and almost crashed myself,” explained the Tech3 pilot. “I lost two positions there but, well, still finished in the points. The rear tyre had dropped but I just kept my head down. I tried to fight as hard as possible, especially against Raul! It was quite fun and I had a decent burnout at the end! A good way to end the year. Onto the next.”
Although his debut term in the premier class was littered with problems, the former Moto2 champion still showed on many occasions he had what it takes to compete at the level even with him being faced with plenty of adversity. Gardner will now turn his attention to 2023, where he’ll be switching to the World Superbike paddock to race for the GYTR GRT Yamaha team.
Senna Agius – Moto2
Recalled to the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team for the final round due to Sam Lowes’ absence through injury, Senna Agius yet again underlined his talent with another wonderful effort. After qualifying way back in 19th as he worked his way into the weekend, the 17-year-old wasted little time finding his rhythm for the race, as he produced a masterful display to blast through the pack on his way to claiming an exceptional ninth.
Grasping his opportunity with both hands once more, the man who bagged second in the European Moto2 Championship continues to demonstrate what a bright future he has ahead of him.
“Was really tough to make quick overtakes early in the race today that cost me, but we have to be happy with what we achieved this weekend. After these four appearances in the world championship, I’ve gotten a taste and I’ll be back for much more soon,” he insisted.
“Again, a really big thank you to the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team for this opportunity. It has been so surreal to walk into such a working environment. It has been amazing. Being overseas has helped me develop a lot as a rider and a person. I’ve learnt a lot this year, especially doing the four rounds in the world championship (Moto2) and it really helped me mentally prepare for taking on new situations, how to handle pressures and keep my focus on the job.”
Joel Kelso – Moto3
Joel Kelso rounded out his 2022 by recording a 21st at Valencia, with things not going his way. All things considered, though, Kelso should be proud of his efforts in his first full Moto3 campaign, where he displayed flashes of brilliance and highlighted what a gifted rider he is.
While his season was scuppered by injury, which is why he ended the championship in 23rd, the Darwinian is primed for a full assault on Moto3 next season, where he’ll be lining up for CF Moto Pruestel GP. Delighted at the prospect of working with his new team and learning from ultra experienced former racer, Tom Luthi, 2023 looms as an exciting year for Joel Kelso.
Oli Bayliss – World Supersport
Oli Bayliss made another positive step at the penultimate round of the World Supersport championship at Mandalika by claiming a pair of 14th place finishes. Getting out to a solid start in the opening race, this left him believing a top 10 was a real possibility. But as the race progressed, his hopes faded due to his tyres deteriorating, with him admitting he chose the wrong compound.
Despite missing the warm-up due to a technical problem that hindered his preparation for the second stanza, Bayliss valiantly battled on to a credible 14th again, with him happy with his switch to the harder tyre that enabled him to at least feel more comfortable.
Up next for Bayliss was the season ending race at Phillip Island, where he was desperate to put on a show for the home fans in attendance to close his year on a high. Crucially familiar with the famous track, which was a pleasant change for the 19-year-old, Bayliss performed admirably. Faced with treacherous wet conditions in race one, he brought his Barni Ducati home in a solid 12th. Then, for the final race of the season, the youngster produced a wonderful ride to finish eighth, despite getting off to a shocking start, to close out his 2022 with a confidence boosting performance.
“That’s a wrap on the 2022 FIM Supersport World Championship,” Bayliss stated. “The Barni Racing Team and I finished the year off with an eighth place, after starting from 13th on the grid today. In terms of the race, I got one of the worst starts in my life. I managed to gain some positions back. I believe if I got a better start and a better qualifying position I could have possibly stayed with the front group. It has been a good day. Eighth place is ok. In saying that, as a racer you always expect more of yourself.”
“It has been a tough year, but at the same time it has been a big learning year. To be able to be on the back of some of the guys we were racing with today who have probably been here more times than I have was a good way to end the year. Thanks to everyone for coming to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit over the weekend. It was good to put on half a show for everyone today. I hope everyone enjoyed today and the whole weekend.”
“I can’t wait to return to the Island in February in 2023 for round one of the WorldSBK Championship and hopefully get a better result for you all. Massive thanks to my team for the year. I can’t thank them enough for everything they have done. It’s been great working with them all, and of course, our team sponsors.” he finished.
Jacob Roulstone and Harrison Voight – Red Bull Rookies Cup and Moto3 Junior World Championship
Obtaining valuable experience with every passing round, young Aussies Jacob Roulstone and Harrison Voight were back on track for the Moto3 Junior World Championship and the Red Bull Rookies Cup.
To start with Voight, and he ended his season in style by bagging fantastic finishes in both the Red Bull Rookies and the JuniorGP. Recording outstanding 10-8 finishes in the former and going 6-4 in the latter series, Harrison Voight produced two excellent efforts that were full of upside.
“A big thank you to the Red Bull Rookies Cup for these past two years together. It was a childhood dream to be given the opportunity and take part. Achieving a podium was something I can’t describe after all the injuries I’ve had in the last 12 months,” Voight explained. “Now it’s time to go home to reflect and remember the memories that were made this year because it sure was one to remember. Can’t wait for the next chapter to begin.” he said
He then added this on his JuniorGP exertions: “Pretty happy to end the season off with PB results in JuniorGP. Race one I struggled to maintain the pace that the front group had when my front tyre dropped. Race two we changed a little bit of the setup and it was much better to stay in the fight for the podium the whole time and having the second fastest lap of the race. I would like to thank the team for these past three years. Together we have grown a lot. I will always remember these years together.”
Meanwhile, for Roulstone, there were many positives attached to his work in both classes, with him showing fantastic speed to frequently mix it with the frontrunners even if his pace didn’t entirely translate into the results.
Feeling confident and fast at the JuniorGP, Roulstone eye-catchingly pieced together a fine charge from the rear of the field to secure 13th in the first race. Then, for the second race, a coveted top 10 finish appeared on the cards. But when the race was stopped courtesy of an on-track spillage, he was forced to settle for 11th as that’s where he was at the time of the red flag. Bagging a 13th and a 15th in the Rookies, Roulstone, who struggled with rear grip, was left content with his efforts in the stacked class, as he concluded his very productive 2023 brightly.
“Not the results I was hoping for in the final round of the Red Bull Rookies in Valencia but what a great experience it has been this year. And I’m pleased to confirm that I have been invited back to compete in 2023. I would like to thank all the Rookies staff for giving me another year to continue to learn and prove myself in this class,” he reflected. “Overall a challenging season but I’m very excited for next year and ready to get into working for next year’s season.”
Matt Moss – Paris Supercross
After a brilliant weekend of racing, Matt Moss was crowned Prince of Paris Supercross, with him steering his Bud Racing Kawasaki to glory at the showpiece. Securing the crown with an exceptional performance on the Sunday to win all three races, the Aussie impressively claimed his first win of any kind in six-and-a-half years to break his drought.
Handling the conditions with aplomb and keeping it on two wheels, there would be no denying the experienced veteran, whose pass on Jace Owen in the last main event propelled him to victory.
“This feeling is why I race, you can’t beat it. It was great, but I just want to make a special mention to Bayden Blanchette, if it wasn’t for you mate, I wouldn’t be in the position I am. So I am forever grateful for you believing in me from the start. You’ve had two years of having to put up with me, but thank you mate. There needs to be more people like you in our sport. So this is for you, I love everything you’ve done for me,” gleamed a jubilant Moss afterwards.
