New Zealand’s rising Moto3 star Cormac Buchanan has been declared unfit to race at the Czech Grand Prix following a severe crash during qualifying that left him with a deep knee laceration. Medical officials advised Buchanan to sit out the race due to a high risk of infection and the potential for further injury if he competed.
This setback comes as a huge disappointment for the Kiwi rider, who was riding a wave of momentum after achieving his career-best finish last weekend at the German Grand Prix. Buchanan’s impressive performance had fans and team alike hopeful for continued progress in the fiercely competitive Moto3 category.
In a heartfelt statement, Buchanan expressed his frustration but also his determination to come back stronger:
“Sucks to have to write this post. Unfortunately, after yesterday’s Practice session, the crash I sustained has resulted in a deep wound in my knee. I have been declared unfit to race in the Czech GP as the risk of infection is too high, and for future races, medical advice has advised it’s better to recover and not risk further damage.
“To say I’m gutted is an understatement, as I was really starting to build some great momentum and confidence in this class. Racing can go like this, and what matters is how we come back from setbacks like this.
“We will take the positives and the good feeling I had into the 3-week summer break, where we focus on recovering and coming back stronger for the second half of this season.
“It’s been a crazy first half of my rookie Moto3 campaign with lots of highs and learnings. I’m looking forward to picking up where I left off back in Austria in mid-August.
“Thanks to everyone for their support and my BOÉ Motorsports team for their amazing hard work, none of this is possible without you all!”
Buchanan’s team, BOÉ Motorsports, also expressed their support and commitment to his recovery, emphasising the importance of health first and the long-term goal of seeing their Kiwi rider back on the grid fighting for points.
“It is a real pity as the kiwi was riding very fast and it looked like it could have been a great race to end up the first half of the season. The good riders come back stronger from these drawbacks so expect to see Cormac back in Austria at it’s highest level of the season.
“Cormac has been learning and improving so much over the last months that is very sad for us, and for him, to miss an opportunity to prove his skills. Nevertheless, we know that in Austria he will be back, and for sure he will have a super weekend.
As the Moto3 paddock shifts focus to the summer break after this weekend, fans and fellow racers alike will be wishing Buchanan a smooth and speedy recovery.
With his rookie season already showcasing his potential, the hope is that he returns to racing with the same determination and talent that have marked his rise so far.
Header Image: Dast Media
