By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
    Auto ShowsShow More
    Multifaceted MasterDrive at Simola
    April 24, 2025
    OMODA & JAECOO accelerate 2025 NEV strategy with bold debuts at Auto Shanghai
    April 24, 2025
    GWM Unveils its Global Strategy at Auto Shanghai 2025
    April 24, 2025
    Maserati takes part in Anantara Concorso Roma 2025
    April 23, 2025
    Knysna Motor Show goes Cars@Coffee on 27 April, 2025
    April 20, 2025
  • Bikes
    BikesShow More
    BMW Motorrad presents the new R 18 models
    January 22, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the BMW Concept F 450 GS
    November 5, 2024
    BMW Motorrad presents the new bikes
    November 1, 2024
    24YM HONDA NX500
    October 15, 2024
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW C 400 GT and BMW C 400 X
    October 15, 2024
  • News
    NewsShow More
    Chery launches LEPAS brand with L8 luxury SUV, ushering in a new premium era
    April 25, 2025
    NADA Applauds Move to Support Stability and Ease Pressure on Consumers
    April 24, 2025
    Automechanika Sub-Saharan Africa Roadshow Expands Automotive Aftermarket Possibilities
    April 24, 2025
    AK47 PROTECTION FOR JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE (WITH WARRANTY INTACT!)
    April 24, 2025
    Ford Silverton Manufacturing Plant Green Initiatives a Step Closer to Carbon Neutrality
    April 23, 2025
  • Concepts
    ConceptsShow More
    Audi unveils Q6 e-tron offroad concept
    January 28, 2025
    CITROEN PRESENTS C5 AIRCROSS CONCEPT
    October 15, 2024
    Lotus Unveils Theory 1:  The Future Of Intelligent Performance
    September 23, 2024
    First sketches of Škoda Enyaq RS Race
    May 3, 2024
    W16 Mistral: the art of bringing Bugatti’s ultimate roadster to life
    January 24, 2024
  • EVs
    EVsShow More
    RANGE ROVER ELECTRIC PROTOTYPES EXCEL IN LATEST WINTER TESTING AND DEVELOPMENT CYCLE
    April 25, 2025
    ELECTRIFIED LUXURY REDEFINED: THE ALL-NEW LEXUS ES
    April 24, 2025
    Volvo EX90 claims World Luxury Car title
    April 17, 2025
    DFSK South Africa rolls out EC35 Electric Panel Van
    April 15, 2025
    The all-new electric G-Class
    April 10, 2025
  • Motosport
    MotosportShow More
    Castrol, NWM, Ford and bp Join Forces for 2025 South African Rally-Raid Championship
    April 25, 2025
    BEHIND THE SCENES WITH GILLY DYKES: DUST, GRIT AND DETERMINATION
    April 24, 2025
    Fouriesburg Rally Shifts to Spring
    April 23, 2025
    TOYOTA GAZOO RACING JUNIOR ACADEMY EYES MORE GLORY AT ROTAX NATIONAL ROUND 2
    April 23, 2025
    FINAL COUNTDOWN COMMENCES FOR SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI RALLY
    April 22, 2025
  • Trucks & Buses
    Trucks & BusesShow More
    HINO ONCE AGAIN ANSWERS FARMERS’ CALL FOR HELP
    April 24, 2025
    Daimler Truck Southern Africa appoints Wolf Edmayr as the General Manager of TruckStore
    March 28, 2025
    ISUZU Motors South Africa Celebrates 60 Years of Isuzu Trucks in South Africa
    March 3, 2025
    Itumeleng Segage, General Manager of Hino South Africa
    HINO SCORES MORE THAN 99% IN ALL FOUR CUSTOMER CARE SURVEY CATEGORIES
    February 5, 2025
    UD TRUCKS SOUTHERN AFRICA DEEPENS ITS COMMITMENT
    January 28, 2025
  • Reviews
    ReviewsShow More
    Tow Like a Pro with the Ford Ranger
    April 10, 2025
    MEET THE ALL-NEW LEXUS GX: A PREMIUM OFF-ROADER REIMAGINED
    April 8, 2025
    Aston Martin Vanquish Volante: The world’s fastest, most powerful front-engine convertible
    March 29, 2025
    The legend grows: introducing the Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48v and GR SPORT II
    March 29, 2025
    THE ALL-NEW GWM P300 – BRING IT ON!
    March 3, 2025
  • Tech
    TechShow More
    Chery unveils AiMOGA: Revolutionising the car-buying experience through intelligent robotics
    April 24, 2025
    Volvo Cars uses AI and virtual worlds with the aim to create safer cars
    March 21, 2025
    Chery drives AI innovation with DeepSeek partnership
    March 3, 2025
    Stellantis Unveils STLA AutoDrive
    February 20, 2025
    Mercedes-Benz and Google Partner on AI-powered Conversational Search within Navigation Systems
    January 14, 2025
Hot News
Chery launches LEPAS brand with L8 luxury SUV, ushering in a new premium era
RANGE ROVER ELECTRIC PROTOTYPES EXCEL IN LATEST WINTER TESTING AND DEVELOPMENT CYCLE
Castrol, NWM, Ford and bp Join Forces for 2025 South African Rally-Raid Championship
Multifaceted MasterDrive at Simola
ELECTRIFIED LUXURY REDEFINED: THE ALL-NEW LEXUS ES
Reviews

Fresh new Hyundai i20 hits the road in South Africa

Latest News

South Africans Keen on Electrified Vehicles

Bikes

24YM HONDA NX500

Latest News

NEW RENAULT CLIO LAUNCHED

Font ResizerAa
The Auto MagazineThe Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Search
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Follow US
Crafted by Intellegere Media. © 2024 The Auto Magazine. All rights reserved.
Motosport

A Solid Ride in the Desert by Moodley

Itumeleng Garebatshabe
Last updated: April 14, 2025 15:34
By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
44 Views
4 Min Read
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE
  • Another new circuit logged
  • High temps in Qatar
  • A steady race on hard compound rubber
  • More points in the bag

Talented South African teenager Ruche Moodley continued his maiden Moto3 campaign this weekend as the world championship series visited Qatar in the Gulf region. It was the Gqeberha-born racer’s first competitive outing at the Lusail International Circuit, adding to the list of tracks that he has now raced at.

The high-speed and flowing nature of the 5,419 km circuit requires high-levels of confidence and familiarity. As a rookie, Moodley was short on the latter but stocked with plenty of the former. Ruche completed the first practice in 18th, an excellent showing for a rookie.

“It was my first visit to this track, and racing under lights is a completely new experience for me. I was feeling strong after the early practice sessions, but I knew the front runners would lift their pace as the weekend progressed,” said the 18-year-old.

A good position during qualifying at Qatar relies heavily on slipstreaming. The over kilometre-long pit straight, means that your qualifying performance is almost reliant on those around you as it does your own speed.

“I was in a bit of a middle ground during quali. I couldn’t really pick up a decent tow from anyone,” said Moodley. As a result, his qualifying position for the race start was 20th, narrowly missing out on progressing into Q2.  But, Moodley has proven that race day is where he shines. He has consistently finished races several positions ahead of where he has started.

The BOE Motorsports rider dropped a few spots at the start and ended the opening lap in 22nd. “I had a big wheelie off the line so I had to get off the gas to bring the front wheel back to the ground. We opted to race on the slightly harder compound tyre. This meant the bike wouldn’t have the initial grip, but it would get better and be more consistent over the full race distance.”

The race leaders were setting a blistering pace, which caused the field to string. Moodley was in a quick bunch of seasoned campaigners. “I knew that I could learn a bit from racing with guys who are in their second and third year of Moto3.”

The South African teen kept his cool as the action heated up. He gained positions as the lap counter clicked down quickly progressing from 22nd into the high teens. A few more positions were gained as riders ahead suffered crashes and mechanical issues. At just over half race distance Moodley was into the points.

“I had managed my tyre wear to keep a little in reserve for the end of the race.” And it paid off. In the closing stages Moodley gained two more positions. He took the chequered flag in 13th, earning points in the process. This is the third race, of four this season, in which Moodley has scored points.

“The race pace today was really quick. The heat, for the tyres and riders, was tough to deal with. It was the first time I have ridden in these conditions and now know how tough it is. I am glad that I kept my cool as gaining experience is very important. To leave here with points is great.”

TAGGED:BOE MotorsportsLusail International CircuitMoto3QatarRuche Moodley

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Stay Updated! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn VKontakte Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Share
ByItumeleng Garebatshabe
Editor
Follow:
Itumeleng is the Managing Editor of The Auto Magazine. He is a tech and car enthusiast

Follow US

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe
TiktokFollow
TelegramFollow
Google NewsFollow
LinkedInFollow

You Might Also Like

Porsche 963, Porsche Penske Motorsport (#6), Kevin Estre (F), Andre Lotterer (D), Laurens Vanthoor (B)
Motosport

Triple triumph for the Porsche 963, Manthey PureRxcing wins GT3 class

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
March 3, 2024
Lamborghini SC63 reaches finish of historic maiden FIA WEC outing in Qatar
Motosport

Lamborghini SC63 reaches finish of historic maiden FIA WEC outing in Qatar

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
March 3, 2024
Motosport

First pole position for the Porsche 963 in the World Endurance Championship

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
March 2, 2024
Motosport

Successful tests for Porsche and its customer teams in Qatar

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
February 28, 2024
Motosport

Challenging season opener for BMW M Motorsport and BMW M Team WRT

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
March 3, 2024
Latest News

BENTLEY MOTORS ANNOUNCES THE THIRD EDITION OF ITS EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN INITIATIVE FOR 2024

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
March 19, 2024

The Auto Magazine

  • Advertise
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Bikes
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Auto Shows
  • Latest News
  • Motosport

Crafted by Intellegere Media. All rights reserved. 2024

Don't not sell my personal information
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner