SEPANG: Zulfahmi Khairuddin believes it is not impossible for Moto3 rookie Hakim Danish Ramli to finish on the podium or even win the race at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia tomorrow.
Danish became the first Malaysian rider since Zulfahmi in 2012 to secure a front-row start in Moto3 at Sepang after qualifying third today.
Zulfahmi took pole position in 2012 and finished second in the lightweight category race at the circuit.
He has been mentoring and managing Danish since 2020 through his development outfit, ZK Racing.
Zulfahmi said he was pleased with Danish’s progress this weekend.
“Today was a good day for us as a team. Danish finished sixth in FP2 but also gained important data for tomorrow’s race during the session,” said Zulfahmi.
“Qualifying was great. Danish was riding well and despite the rushed conditions, he was able to get a good lap in and will be on the front row tomorrow.
“What is convincing to me is his pace. He has been working hard here.
“I hope he will secure a good result tomorrow and be on the podium or even win the race.”Why not? This has been our target this week. I just hope everything goes smoothly.”
Earlier this season, Danish notched impressive results after finishing third at Mugello and winning his maiden grand prix at Brno, both in July.
It was the first time a Malaysian had won a Moto3 race since Khairul Idham Pawi in 2016.
Danish’s form, however, tapered off after the summer break.
He has managed only two top-10 finishes since his victory at Brno, the last of which came at the Red Bull Ring four rounds ago.