South African Moto3 rookie Ruche Moodley has continued with his debut campaign during the dusk-time race at Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit, scoring more championship points along the way.
Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!
Racing at the Middle East circuit for the first time, Moodley got off to a slow and steady start and managed to wrap up the first practice session around the 5.4 km circuit in 18th position.
“This was my first time racing under lights – totally new experience for me,” Moodley said. “I felt strong in the early sessions but knew the pace would ramp up later in the weekend.”
Qualifying proved tricky with Moodley struggling to find a good tow down the long straight during the session and ended up qualifying 20th – just shy of progressing to Q2.
Related: SA’s Ruché Moodley Completes First Moto3 Outing in Thailand
A big wheelie off the line cost him a few places, dropping him to 22nd after the opening lap. His team had gambled on a slightly harder tyre compound, trading initial grip for better consistency over race distance – a choice that would pay off later. The front-runners set the pace and the pack eventually broke up with South African Moodley finding himself battling with more experienced riders. By the halfway mark, he had climbed into the points. Managing tyre wear carefully, Moodley still had pace left in the final laps, picking off two more positions to finish 13th. It’s his third points-scoring finish in four races this season.
“This race was tough – the heat, the pace, everything,” Moodley said. “But I kept calm, managed my tyres well, and got the job done. I’m learning all the time, and to walk away with more points is a good step forward.”
Moodley remains the only South African on the Moto3 grid this year.
Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with CARmag!
