Moto2: Fernandez plays down chances ahead of Gardner title battle

Despite closing to within nine points of team-mate and Moto2 title leader Remy Gardner after the Australian's COTA mistake, Raul Fernandez is playing down his race and title chances ahead of this weekend's Misano event.

Rookie star Fernandez has won four of the last five races, including the earlier Misano visit in September, putting him in with a real chance of achieving something not even Marc Marquez managed; being crowned Moto2 champion at his first attempt.

“Even if we won the last round, things can change a lot from one GP to the next," Fernandez said. "We will definitely have a different tyre compound, so we have to work on that in order to get the best possible performance from it.

"I do not expect to get the win again; what I want is to give 100%, work as well as possible and whatever happens, happens. Above all, I am going to enjoy myself. This is our goal for this weekend. Being calm and knowing where the limit is will make the difference.

"I really like Misano. I have always gone well there and, in addition, we go there with the experience from the race we had in September. I am looking forward to this Grand Prix as it is a track where I have a great time.

"Thinking about the title would be a mistake because my team-mate is in a more favourable situation. I want to go race-by-race, see how we evolve, be professional and, if possible, win more contests and get podiums."

Gardner, who will join Fernandez in moving to MotoGP with Tech3 KTM next season, pledged to 'fight with all my might' in the remaining three rounds.

“I am looking forward to this Grand Prix… I feel ready to fight for the top positions again," said Gardner, who was able to put Fernandez under late pressure at the previous Misano race.

"After the first race in Misano a month ago, all the riders arrive at this round with information. However, we will also use the data obtained in the first round to be as competitive as possible.

"There are only three races left and we are going to fight with all our might until the end, although we will always keep our concentration and stay calm."

Third in the championship Marco Bezzecchi is 65 points behind Fernandez.