News
Invercargill teenager Cormac Buchanan's Barcelona Grand Prix ended almost before it began after a racing incident forced him into the gravel trap on the opening lap.
The Southland rider had struggled to find his rhythm all weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya but was confident in his race pace heading into Sunday's Moto3 World Championship race.
Buchanan made a spectacular start, overtaking more than ten rivals in the opening metres of the main straight. However, as he approached the first corners, contact from another rider sent him sliding into the gravel.
Although he managed to rejoin the track, he was completely dropped from the pack, losing any chance of fighting for points.
"Today's race was pretty much over after just one corner and, when it's out of your control, that's a very bitter pill to swallow," he said.
"I made an amazing start, overtaking a lot of riders and putting myself in a good position to fight with the group. But then I got a big contact from another rider which sent me into the gravel trap, costing me a lot of time and, with that, any chance of a strong result."
Despite enduring his most gruelling start to a race season, Buchanan remained determined to fight for the results he and his Code Motorsports team deserved.
"This is one of those weekends we just have to move on from and focus on understanding what we need to get the best out of both myself and the bike, because we know when we do that, we can be very fast," he said.
"Taking on the world championship as a New Zealander means having to defy the odds stacked against you and we've always known and accepted this. The results don't tell the whole story about the progress we are making this season."
Buchanan acknowledged the challenges of competing largely on his own without a manager, coach or family support at races.
"Yeah, it's not easy but it absolutely will be worth it and that is my fuel to keep fighting. What I do have is an incredible team in Code Motorsports and so many people supporting me, especially through these tough moments. I won't give up because I know the potential we have."
Buchanan's next race is the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello Circuit.