KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Sensational young Malaysian rider Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli struggled to put into words the emotions of securing his maiden Moto3 victory at the Czech Grand Prix yesterday.
However, Hakim Danish described the win at the Automotodrom Brno as particularly special for himself, the AEON Credit-MT Helmets-MSI team and Malaysian supporters after overcoming various challenges to secure his second podium finish of the season.
“This weekend was not easy as we faced numerous challenges, but I never stopped believing in my own abilities and the hard work we put in as a team.
“I am extremely grateful to have finally achieved my first victory on the Moto3 World Championship stage. I am very happy and proud to dedicate this result to everyone who has always supported me,” he said in a statement.
Despite qualifying second on Saturday, the 18-year-old rider was handed a penalty after being found to have slowed down his motorcycle in one of the sectors during the second qualifying session (Q2).
Although he started 14th on the grid yesterday, Hakim Danish produced a mature and aggressive ride, overtaking rival after rival before crossing the finish line first in 33 minutes 34.26 seconds.
Spanish rider Brian Uriarte of the Red Bull KTM Ajo team finished second, 0.466 seconds behind, while compatriot Marco Quiles of the CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team completed the podium in third place, 0.629 seconds adrift.
Last month, the Terengganu-born rider secured his first podium finish of the season after placing third at the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello Circuit.
His success ended Malaysia’s 10-year wait for a Moto3 victory, with the country's last win in the category achieved by Khairul Idham Pawi at the German Grand Prix during the 2016 season.
