Noah Dettwiler is back in competition almost a year after a crash that left him seriously injured during the sighting lap for the Moto3 Malaysian Grand Prix. The 21-year-old Swiss rider made his debut in the CIV Italian Supersport Championship at Vallelunga, beginning a new racing chapter with Kuja Racing Ducati.

The accident happened on 25 October 2025. Dettwiler’s motorcycle developed a problem on the way to the grid, and Jose Antonio Rueda hit the back of it without seeing the situation in time. The injuries were life-threatening. Dettwiler consequently could not start the 2026 Moto3 season with SIC58 Squadra Corse, despite having originally been scheduled to continue with the team.

A demanding first weekend back

The move to Kuja Racing Ducati was agreed in January. Dettwiler received permission to compete on Friday morning, before the race weekend began. He qualified 11th at Vallelunga and brought the race home in 15th place, securing points on his return.

There was also a significant technical adjustment to make. The race was Dettwiler’s first competitive outing on Dunlop tyres, while every test before the weekend had been completed on Pirelli. He also said he had never practised a start on the Ducati in dry conditions, adding another layer of difficulty to a return that was about rebuilding race rhythm as much as chasing a result.

Dettwiler described the medical clearance as “the biggest victory of my career”. He admitted that the wait had been frustrating, but came to understand that the doctors’ caution was necessary after such a serious crash. He said he was grateful they had not allowed him to return earlier. With the approval finally secured, he can now plan the next stage of his racing career without the same concern over the medical check.