Swiss Moto3 rider Noah Dettwiler in action last month

Kuala Lumpur (AFP) - Swiss Moto3 rider Noah Dettwiler, who suffered a serious crash at the Malaysian MotoGP over the weekend, is no longer in a critical condition, his family has announced.

“According to the doctors, Noah’s condition is now stable and no longer critical,” said a statement on X.

“He will continue to be monitored closely in the intensive care unit.”

The Moto3 race at Sepang on Sunday was delayed and shortened after the collision involving newly crowned world champion Jose Antonio Rueda and 20-year-old Dettwiler during the sighting lap.

Both riders, who were conscious following the incident, were airlifted to hospital.

Rueda, a 19-year-old Spaniard, suffered a suspected hand fracture and other injuries.

His condition “continues to improve”, his Red Bull KTM Ajo team said on X.

Doctors said Rueda would likely return to Spain on Thursday “to undergo surgery on his right hand in Barcelona in the coming days”.

Moto3 is the “lightweight” or entry class in the world championship, behind Moto2 and MotoGP, which is regarded as the pinnacle of the sport.

In 2011 at Sepang Italian rider Marco Simoncelli died after his bike veered across the track during the second lap of the MotoGP race.

Simoncelli lost his helmet in a collision with Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi and suffered critical injuries to his head, neck and chest.