Fifteen-year-old aspiring MotoGP rider Cormac Buchanan will have another year of double duty in Europe, dovetailing a second Red Bull Rookies Cup campaign with a tilt in the European Talent Cup.
The Talent Cup is part of the FIM JuniorGP ranks, putting young Buchanan squarely in the eyes of the MotoGP paddock.
He’ll race with Spanish team AGR Racing for the seven-round season.
Most circuits he’ll race on next year Buchanan got to experience this season in the Red Bull Rookies Cup. So, he is excited to see what knowledge he can transfer into a new challenge.
“To say I’m excited about this opportunity with AGR Racing would be one heck of an understatement,” Buchanan said.
“My debut season in Europe this year was my first experience riding Moto3 bikes, so the focus was on learning and identifying key areas which will enable me to continue developing as a racer.
“AGR ticks all the boxes and I’m excited to soak up as much knowledge as I can from my teammates and the crew to hone my racing further.”
He isn’t anticipating an easy title fight.
“There’s no denying it was tough this season learning a new bike and completely new circuits, but I’m proud of the progress I made. Next year it will all be a bit more familiar, and I can’t wait to get back amongst it all.
“I’ve had a taste of it and I’m under no illusions as to the challenge ahead but I’m up for it and training hard while I’m home during the off-season.”
Earlier this year, Buchanan became the first New Zealand rider selected to participate in the Red Bull Rookies Cup.
While his scorecard fails to reflect the season of learning he had, Buchanan relished the opportunity to compete against Europe’s quickest young riders.
He was and still is exceptionally proud to represent his country on an international scale of motorcycle racing.
“I am proud to be flying the New Zealand flag in Europe and a massive thanks to everyone here at home who continues to support me on this journey.”
Buchanan is spending his holiday season at home in New Zealand, racing with the Yamaha Development Team in the Southern Race Series.