Nasty Crash Rules Buchanan Out Of Qatar Race

Buchanan crashed out after running near the front in a strong Moto3 performance
Despite the fall, he set his fastest lap of the weekend during the Qatar race
The 18-year-old Kiwi remains optimistic heading into the next round in Spain

New Zealand motorcycle racer Cormac Buchanan was forced to sit out the finish of the Qatar Moto3 Grand Prix after a dramatic crash ended what could have been a career-best result.

The fourth round of the Moto3 World Championship at Lusail Circuit saw Buchanan, 18, showing impressive form. Starting from 16th on the grid, the Southlander quickly worked his way into the top ten, climbing as high as eighth and mixing it with the front group in a fast-paced and closely fought race.

“That one definitely stings – figuratively and literally,” he said. “There’s definitely mixed emotions after today’s race. It’s a feeling of being really, really proud but also a feeling of being really, really gutted and upset because today was probably one of the best races of my career.”

Buchanan described a fast start where he gained ground early and maintained his rhythm while focusing on tyre management. “It was really special and certainly a big step forward even from my previous race,” he said.

But the promising run came to a painful end at corner five, when he was thrown from his bike in a high-side crash.

“Unfortunately, in corner five it all came unstuck with an off-throttle high-side and those ones you can’t really catch so before I knew it, I was on the ground in a bit of pain,” Buchanan said.

Fortunately, the teenager avoided serious injury, and remains upbeat about his continued development in the fiercely competitive championship.

“At the moment it’s a shame because we didn’t get any points for our amazing performance but on the other hand, we showed the world what we can do. We showed we are there and it’s coming – it’s only a matter of time,” he said.

Buchanan also highlighted the work of his team and the importance of staying focused on long-term progress.

“We’ve been working really hard to get to this point and it’s a bit unexpected to be honest to be up at the front this early on but we are taking all of the necessary processes and steps to do everything right.”

His next chance to put everything together will come at the Jerez round in Spain, taking place from April 25 to 27.