Two Moto3 riders airlifted to hospital after Sepang sighting crash

Two Moto3 riders were airlifted to hospital after a serious collision during the sighting lap ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang on Sunday, leaving one in hospital intensive care and the other recovering from concussion and a fractured hand. The incident occurred as riders were making their way to the grid between Turns 3 and 4, prompting a prolonged medical response and changes to the day’s schedule.

Race footage and team statements show José Antonio Rueda, the newly crowned Moto3 world champion, struck the rear of Noah Dettwiler’s bike as Dettwiler was travelling slowly, apparently to investigate a mechanical issue. Both riders were thrown from their machines and received immediate trackside care from MotoGP medical teams before being transported by helicopter to hospitals in Kuala Lumpur.

Rueda’s team, Red Bull KTM Ajo, said the 19 year old suffered a fracture to his right hand and a severe concussion but was awake and conscious in hospital. The team later reported he had been moved to a private facility for closer monitoring of bruising to his lungs and is expected to fly back to Spain for surgery on his hand in the coming days.

CIP Green Power, Dettwiler’s team,...