BASILDON biker had a weekend to forget at Thruxton after gripping issues forced him to pull out of both races.

Buchan, riding the Ducati Panigali for the Lloyds British Moto Rapido Ducati team, did not get off to a good start with the rider in unfamiliar territory well down the field in both practice and qualifying sessions.

And, with grip issues continuing to plague his and his team’s efforts, they could not overcome the lack of tyre adhesion which plagued many other teams and riders.

Buchan was eventually forced to pull out of both Sunday races to avoid crashing and causing harm to himself and other contestants, completing just six laps of Race 1 and 11 laps of race 2.

“It was a weekend to forget at Thruxton,” said a team spokesperson. “We worked relentlessly, tried everything possible, used every resource but we just couldn't get bike and rider in harmony. On this grid anything not perfect is harshly punished.

“Danny rode until the rear tyre was on bare canvas but had to retire in both races with the rear dangerously sliding. It is back to the drawing board but we will fix this. Thanks for all the local support.”