Cormac Buchanan speaks on racing Moto3 Round 4 at Lusail, Qatar this weekend. Having made impressive headway up the points table, taking P10 at Grand Prix of America’s two weeks previous, the Denssi Racing-BOE rider has focus firmly fixed on sustaining forward momentum in his rookie season.
With experience gained from racing four seasons in Europe from 2021 to 2024, the 18 year old has almost steely-like thought processes on how he is going to maximize his potential on track which includes adaptation to track conditions, weather, bike performance, and tyre management. Fair to say, Buchanan’s ability to read race strategies of rider’s handling tyre degradation and physical fatigue could be likened to his peers – many times his age.
Such character attributes are rare, to set, action, and realize goals to race in the world’s premier Moto3 Championship which has run from 1949 to the present day. In fact, NZ’s historical record of winning Motorsport World Championships has only been claimed by kiwi legend – Hugh Andersen – winning Moto3/125 World Championships in 1963 and 1965, along with 50cc and 80cc World Championships in 1963 and 1954.
Cormac: ”I think for me, every season I just set out a goal, last season, my only goal was to get a Moto3 contract, so every training and every JuniorGP session or race felt like it was going towards that goal. I believe it was the right moment to step up into the World Championship too, and I think when you set your mind to something and it is all that you are focused on working towards, you will achieve it”.
Most certainly, Cormac’s strength of mind remains ‘uno numero’ and has been the catalyst to gain leverage over his competitors, not only on the track but also to lock in a race ride with Denssi Racing-BOE Motorsports for this season. Far from an easy task having grown up racing in NZ, Cormac has proved his mental tenacity and drive for achievement sets him apart in such a cut-throat sport.
Cormac: ”Coming from NZ to racing in Europe is more than a reality check than what I even expected at first. The tracks are much more open and flowing with lots of run off, and at first it’s quite difficult to wrap your mind around them. For sure, now after four seasons a track like Jerez or Misano – I’ve probably ridden more times – than Teretonga or Ruapuna back home in NZ now”.
Heading into Moto3 Round 4 at Lusail, Qatar this weekend, Cormac takes time to re-set and focus on race strategy with his Team ahead of the next 13 Rounds in Europe. The process is clear, concise, and defined as has been the case for Cormac’s role model and friend – kiwi racing legend Hugh Andersen. The two share much in common knowing what it takes to achieve pointy end results on the track – confirming the gap of 6 decades between generations is no match for like-minded racers.
Cormac: ”As far as role models go – me and Hugh Andersen are great friends. Despite racing in different eras/generations he has a lot of similarities to me and it’s really nice being able to connect with someone like that. The way he approached a race weekend and different tracks and the study and mental approach needed is very similar to how I approach my racing. So, it’s refreshing and quite cool to be honest having someone like that to talk to and get advice from”.
Cormac: ”For me in Qatar, the goal is the same as always, focused just on myself riding alone and getting laps under my belt. For sure, after top 10 everyone expects you to be settled in and complete with the bike but I’m aware there is still a lot of work and development needed. Of course, the goal for qualifying and the race is to be a step better than America. I know if we do our work in the practices then we can have a great race, but I’m just focused on doing my job. With the weather, it will be interesting as the hot conditions can change the grip levels and track conditions for us. However, we have been doing lots of heat training over the last few weeks to arrive prepared for this weekend”.
Moto3 Round 4, Lusail circuit, Qatar, April 11 – 14. Header photo: Cormac Buchanan racing Moto3 2025 Image: @manutormo
Words: Sharon Cox.
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