Moodley ready to build on rookie season

SOUTH African Moto3 rider Ruche Moodley is looking forward to a smooth 2026 season after navigating a challenging debut campaign.

- OBAKENG MELETSE

Riding for BOE Motorsports, Moodley became the third South African in the paddock, joining Darryn and Brad Binder in other MotoGP classes.

The Gqeberha-born rider not only became the third South African on the world stage but also made history as the first rider of colour from South Africa—and indeed from the entire continent—to compete at this level.

He scored 14 points over the season and finished 27th, enduring a stop-start campaign disrupted by injuries that tested both his focus and determination.

Despite the setbacks, the 19-year-old has had his contract extended with the Spanish outfit and remains confident about what lies ahead.

“The injuries were not ideal, especially in my rookie season,” Moodley told the Independent Newspapers.