SEPANG: Hakim Danish Ramli narrowly missed out on the podium at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia but made it clear he had no regrets after finishing fourth in the Moto3 race at Sepang Circuit on Sunday.
The Aeon Credit-MT Helmets-MSI rider crossed the line 4.410 seconds adrift of race winner Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar) at Sepang Circuit.
Indonesia’s Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia) was second (+3.734s) while Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe (+4.184s) completed the lightweight class podium.
Danish, racing a KTM, duelled with Veda for most of the race with the duo swapping positions numerous times, before the latter pulled ahead in the closing stages of the race.
It was clear to see that Veda’s Honda had the advantage on the high-speed corners Sepang is famous for.
Danish, who had struggled for form over the last few rounds, said he gave it everything he had, including a last-gasp lunge at turn 15, heading into the final straight.
“Of course, I wanted to finish on the podium today, but it was just not to be,” said Danish.
“The Honda bikes have an advantage here so I was always just trying to catch up. I tried to pass on the final turn but unfortunately, I overshot.
“I fought from the very start, right until the end so I am happy with my effort. I wanted to do well for all the fans, family and sponsors who came out to watch me today.”
Danish had been aiming to be the first Malaysian rider to finish on the Moto3 podium at Sepang since his mentor-cum-manager Zulfahmi Khairuddin finished second in 2012.
Danish’s fourth-place finish was nevertheless the highest-placed finish by a Malaysian since Zulfahmi’s feat.
“I will try again next year. I don’t think Zulfahmi is too disappointed, he is probably happy,” he added in jest.
The 19-year-old collected 13 points from his performance at Sepang and remains ninth overall in the Moto3 standings with 116 points.
Quiles, who has already wrapped up the title, is on 376 points with David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) a distant second with 228 points. Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Brian Uriarte is third (205 points) overall.
Moto3 is scheduled to race at the Qatar GP next week.