Setback for Cormac Buchanan: Ankle fracture following a serious crash in Aragon

The race weekend in Aragon got off to a good start for Moto3 rider Cormac Buchanan. In the first free practice session on Friday morning, he set the third-fastest time. In the qualifying session that followed at midday, the New Zealander then caused a moment of panic: Buchanan suffered a violent highside in Turn 17. He was catapulted into the air and crashed heavily onto the tarmac. He was able to get back on his feet straight away and was incredibly lucky to have emerged from the crash unscathed. In the crucial session that decided direct qualification for Q2, he finished only 26th due to the crash.

In Q1 on Saturday, Buchanan found his form again. He finished third and made it through to Q2. Things didn’t go quite so well there, however, and he could only manage 16th on the grid. Then came Sunday’s race, in which he was once again thrown from his KTM on the third lap at Turn 10 – and sustained an injury. Buchanan had broken his right ankle in the crash, following which he was taken to Dexeus University Hospital in Barcelona on the same day.

Operation in Barcelona

“Unfortunately, I had a heavy crash during the race in which I broke my ankle. But I’m in good spirits and am in Barcelona to sort everything out,” wrote the New Zealander, who rides for Team Boe Motorsports, on his Instagram account. He underwent successful surgery on Monday.

Buchanan is already looking ahead again. “It’s a shame that we’ve had to suffer this setback just when we were really hitting our stride, but these things happen,” said the 20-year-old. “In life, you have three options: give up, give in, or give it everything you’ve got to overcome every setback. It’s clear which option I’m going to choose.”

Finally, Buchanan addressed his fans directly: “I really do appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you all back at the track soon!”

In the World Championship standings, Cormac Buchanan is in 23rd place with 5 points after 13 races. It is currently unclear when he will return.

Cormac Buchanan in Aragon

Foto: Gold & Goose