Surgery to Silverstone: SA star Ruchè Moodley is back on Moto3 track

He’s blowing up metal detectors all over Spain right now because of the six screws and titanium plate that’s holding together his fractured wrist.

But all that South African Moto3 rider Ruchè Moodley can think about is getting back on the starting grid. 

About a month ago, Moodley suffered a nasty crash during the opening lap of the Spanish Grand Prix. 

His bike had mechanical issues and lost its brakes into Turn 6 at Circuit de Jerez, a low speed corner. Moodley ended up colliding with David Almansa and David Munoz.

After he was checked up, it was found that Moodley had suffered a fractured radius on his right hand, which controls the accelerator. 

The 18-year-old was in surgery the next day in Barcelona – about five hours away from his European base in Alicante, Spain.

A titanium plate and six screws were implanted to reset the fracture.

But with a surgery of this magnitude, especially in motorsports, the healing and recovery process is paramount to regaining confidence on the track.

Problem is, try telling a teenager with octane in his blood that he has had to sit out a few races. 

Moodley was forced to miss one of the most history-rich and iconic circuits on his calendar – Le Mans in France. 

“It was really frustrating not to be able to race. From the moment I returned from the hospital, I started training again. I was on the static training bicycle to maintain my fitness levels. We also started physio the moment I regained enough strength,” the Eastern Cape-born athlete explained. 

A few weeks into his rehabilitation, Moodley was given the green light to race again by a Spanish doctor.

He was also given the all clear by the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme or FIM – which is the overseeing body of the league.

His recovery comes just in time for another iconic track – Silverstone in the United Kingdom – and home of the very first Formula 1 race.

Mechanical issues aside, Moodley was still penalised for the crash in Spain and thus, will start at Silverstone on the back foot with a double long lap. 

This means Moodley will have to complete an additional route, including the one he will be racing on Sunday.

“It feels great to return to racing. I am so looking forward to getting back on the bike. It’s terrible to watch a Moto3 event on TV, knowing that I should be on that grid. I know it won’t be easy as my arm is still healing, but I am looking forward to getting back into the saddle,” Moodley said.