Tyre Failure Ends Race, Not Buchanan’s Fight

It was a weekend to forget in Austria for New Zealand motorcycle racer Cormac Buchanan.

Returning from injury, the young Kiwi racer struggled to regain the form he has shown in previous rounds of his rookie Moto3 World Championship season.

A crash in practice hindered progress early in proceedings at the Red Bull Ring, but Buchanan reset to produce a strong performance in Q1 and progress through to Q2.

“My fastest lap had the potential to earn my highest grid position yet for the race but unfortunately I came across another rider slow on the apex of the corner which destroyed that opportunity to set a solid lap time,” he said.

Starting from P17, Buchanan’s race was cut abruptly short when he lost the rear tyre on the opening lap and high-sided out of contention.

“That feeling of disappointment and shame when you have to walk back into the box and face your hard-working team is one of the worst feelings any racer can have,” he said.
“This is not the weekend I wanted or expected to have. We are working so hard to get the results we deserve and this one hurts a lot.

“It hasn’t been the easiest of times as of late, but giving up isn’t in my DNA.
“Thank you to my team and everyone in my corner who believes in me. We win and we learn together.
“These results aren’t a true reflection of myself. We take the positives and how good we felt with the bike yesterday into this weekend in Hungary.
“I’m already focused on the next goal. I’m motivated and ready to show our true potential.”

Editors note: Get your mates together for a great night out and support this young guy. Mike