It was cruel blow for the Southland teenager who had been battling to find his rhythm all weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya but was confident in his race pace after a solid stimulation during FP2.
The Moto3 World Championship race presented an opportunity for a comeback, and expectations rose immediately after the lights went out as Buchanan made a spectacular start, overtaking more than ten rivals in the opening meters of the main straight. However, luck was not on his side; as he approached the first corners, a racing incident caused by another driver forced Buchanan 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 in a press release.
‘‘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.
‘‘Of course, it would be easy to get angry in scenarios like this but the only thing I can control is how I react to it. Still, I stayed out there and gathered some good data on the bike.’’
Despite the most gruelling start to a race season he has ever endured, 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.
‘‘When I look beyond the races, I know my trajectory is positive.
‘‘I guess no-one truly sees the sacrifices and the fact I am navigating one of the toughest championships on the planet largely on my own — no manager, no coach, no family here and no real budget. That’s the reality.
‘‘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 assignment is the Brembo Grand Prix of Italy at the iconic Mugello Circuit. — Allied Media
