During the sighting lap for the Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang Circuit, a serious crash involving riders Jose Antonio Rueda and Noah Dettwiler led to an emergency helicopter evacuation. The incident occurred when Rueda collided with Dettwiler, who was reportedly experiencing a motorcycle issue and was traveling at a slow speed.
Details of the Accident
Rueda, the newly-crowned Moto3 world champion, exited the third corner and unexpectedly crashed into Dettwiler. The impact left Dettwiler motionless on the track, prompting immediate medical intervention.
- Incident Time: During the sighting lap before the race
- Location: Sepang Circuit, Malaysia
- Involved Riders: Jose Antonio Rueda and Noah Dettwiler
- Current Condition: Both riders were reported conscious
- Evacuation: Both riders were transported via helicopter to a nearby hospital
Medical Response and Race Rescheduling
The MotoGP medical team promptly activated emergency protocols in response to the crash. Rueda was transferred to the Sepang medical center, while Dettwiler received initial treatment on-site.
After a thorough evaluation, both riders were airlifted to a local hospital. The paddock and fans are anxiously awaiting updates on their conditions, especially concerning Dettwiler, who appears to have sustained more severe injuries.
Impact on Race Schedule
Due to the necessary medical procedures, the race schedule has been adjusted. The Moto3 event will now start at 1:45 PM local time, reduced from its original 12 PM start and shortened from 15 laps to 10 laps. The Moto2 race has also been rescheduled to begin at 4:30 PM local time, following the MotoGP race, which remains set to commence at 3 PM local time (7 AM GMT).
The event’s protocol mandates that no race can proceed without helicopter availability. This incident underscores the importance of safety protocols in motorsport.
