Three races left, one mission: Hakim Danish chases another Moto3 podium after Sepang heartbreak

Hakim Danish said his fourth-place finish at Sepang has strengthened his determination to reach the podium again this season. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 01 Nov 2026 3:36 PM MYT

SEPANG, Nov 1 — National rider Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli has not given up on his quest for a podium finish this season despite having to settle for fourth place at the 2026 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (GP) at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) here today.

The Terengganu-born rider said his failure to deliver a podium finish to home fans had not dampened his spirit, but instead served as motivation to continue competing strongly in the remaining three races of the season.

“I am very happy with today’s race because I gave it everything. I fought from the start to the finish and, of course, wanted to secure a podium, but had to settle for fourth place.

“At the final corner, I tried to make a pass but ran slightly wide. Nevertheless, I gave my best for all the spectators, my family and the team,” he told reporters after the race today.

Hakim Danish said the advantage enjoyed by Honda machinery at the circuit, particularly through the high-speed corners, also posed a challenge in his efforts to maintain a position among the leading riders.

Earlier, Hakim Danish, who had secured podium finishes at the Italian GP and Czech Republic GP, produced an impressive ride to move up to second place after overtaking Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP rider David Almansa on lap 11.

However, he lost that position on lap 12 after being overtaken by Honda Team Asia rider Veda Pratama and Almansa.

His hopes of securing a podium were revived on the final lap when he managed to overtake Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Alvaro Carpe for third place at the final corner, but Carpe reclaimed the position.

Commenting on the remaining races of the season, Hakim Danish said he believed a podium finish was still within reach and was determined to keep fighting until the final race.

“There are still three races this year and I believe it is not impossible to finish on the podium or secure another victory. I will keep fighting to achieve that target,” he said.

Meanwhile, SIC Racing team manager Zulfahmi Khairuddin described Hakim Danish’s performance as impressive despite missing out on a podium finish at SIC, which he himself had achieved in 2012.

He said he had been confident that the 19-year-old rider could secure a podium finish based on his performances from the practice sessions through to the race, but intense competition on the final lap saw that ambition go unfulfilled.

“Overall, we saw that Danish managed his emotions well and maintained his performance throughout the week, from the opening sessions right through to the race, where he remained competitive.

“Yesterday, I was really confident that he could fight for a podium, but of course, the final lap is the final lap in Moto3. We really wanted that podium, but he was unable to overtake (Alvaro) Carpe or (Jose Antonio) Rueda,” he said. — Bernama