Fernandez defied the pain from a broken right hand to collect his sixth race win from 14 races in 2021 in the San Marino Grand Prix at Misano and further close the gap on fellow Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Gardner who fought tenaciously to finish second.

The season-long duel between the pair appears headed for an exciting climax over the remaining four races, with both riders set to move up into the premier MotoGP class next season.

The 23-year-old Gardner - son of Australian great Wayne Gardner - has four race wins but his consistent competiveness with 11 podium finishes from the 14 races has him still leading 271 points with 20-year-old Spaniard Fernandez second on 237.

Gardner overcame problems early in Sunday's race to fight his way up to second, closing for an attempted pass on Fernandez in the final lap.

However he lost tyre grip as he challenged and did brilliantly just to stay keep his bike upright as Fernandez pulled away again to win.

"I had my heart in mouth," admitted Gardner. "It got away from me a little bit and I nearly high-sided."

It was the sixth one-two finish by the two teammates this season and third in succession with Fernandez coming out on top in the last two races.

Gardner will still be favoured for the title given his points lead, as long as he continues to stick close to his young rival when he can't win himself.

Australian Associated Press