Former Moto3™ and Moto2™ rider Gabriel Rodrigo has confirmed he will retire as a professional motorcycle racer at the age of 25. The Argentinian announced the news via a video on social media this week.
Rodrigo competed in the FIM CEV Repsol in 2014 and made his first appearances in the World Championship as a wildcard that same year, as well as attending some races in the Italian Speed Championship (CIV). In 2015 he made his debut as a Moto3™ World Championship rider with a permanent place in the RBA Racing team on a KTM machine, a team in which he would compete in for the following two years. Rodrigo started to become a regular front runner in 2017 when he notched up two poles and finished with a best of P4.
His real breakthrough year would come in 2018 when he claimed his first podium and seventh in the overall standings. In 2019, he joined Kömmerling Gresini Moto3™ as one of the favourites, but his campaign was hampered by injuries. For 2020 he switched to the number 2, in honour of his brother Juan, but he was unable to stand on the rostrum and finished again with a best of P4. Rodrigo remained with Gresini in Moto3™ for the 2021 campaign and although it was a difficult season, he was able to stand on the podium.
The clear potential shown over the years in the lightweight class earned him a promotion to Moto2™ with the Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team ahead of a 2022 season that was cut short through injury. Unfortunately, Rodrigo has decided to announce his retirement from the sport.
We wish Rodrigo all the best for the future!