Rueda, Dettwiler Evacuated by Helicopter After Terrifying Moto3 Crash at 2025 Malaysian GP

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - The 2025 Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit witnessed a harrowing incident on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 2:56 PM WIB, as newly-crowned Moto3 champion Jose Antonio Rueda of Red Bull KTM Ajo and Noah Dettwiler of CIP Green Power were involved in a severe crash during the sighting lap. Both riders were airlifted to a nearby hospital, prompting a revised race schedule.

The crash occurred at Turn 3 when Rueda, riding low at high speed, failed to spot Dettwiler moving slowly, likely due to a mechanical issue. The violent collision left Dettwiler motionless on the track. MotoGP swiftly activated its medical protocol, dispatching the medical car to the scene. Rueda was taken to the Sepang medical center, while Dettwiler received trackside treatment. According to the international broadcast, both were conscious, but 30 minutes later, they were separately airlifted to a local hospital. The paddock awaits further updates, particularly on Dettwiler, who appeared more severely affected.

Safety protocols requiring an available medical helicopter necessitated changes to Sunday’s timetable. The MotoGP race will proceed as planned at 3:00 PM local time (7:00 AM GMT), but the Moto3 and Moto2 events were rescheduled. Moto3 is now set to start at 1:45 PM local time, delayed from its original midday slot and reduced from 15 to 10 laps. Moto2 will follow the premier class, beginning at 4:30 PM local time. This revised schedule prioritizes safety amid the emergency.

The incident disrupted team preparations, especially for Moto3, which must adapt to a shorter race format. No official updates on Rueda and Dettwiler’s conditions are available, heightening tension in the paddock. Sportrik’s in-depth analysis highlights the effectiveness of rapid safety protocols while anticipating the race’s continuation and the riders’ recovery.