KUALA LUMPUR: Zulfahmi Khairuddin believes the recent Qatar Grand Prix will serve as an important learning experience for Moto3 rookie Hakim Danish Ramli.
Despite qualifying seventh at Lusail International Circuit, the Aeon Credit-MT Helmets-MSI rider made a poor start to the race and found himself 13th at the end of the first lap.
He was able to catch up with the front runners and was in a position to fight for a top-five finish in the final lap but went wide as he jostled with Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe.
Danish settled for a seventh place finish in the race.
Zulfahmi, who has mentored and managed Danish since 2020, was nevertheless pleased with his charge’s determination.
“Overall, it was a very positive weekend for Danish in Qatar. He proved his pace right from the opening sessions and also automatically progressed to qualifying two (Q2),” said Zulfahmi.
“Although Danish had a less-than-ideal start which caused him to drop back, the recovery he showed to overtake other riders and close the gap to the front group proved that he has both the speed and the mentality to compete at the front.
“A minor mistake at the final corner is all part of an important learning curve.
“Bringing home nine points to remain inside the top eight in the Moto3 standings is a proud achievement for a rookie rider.
“We are confident that the experience and positive momentum gained in Qatar will serve as the best possible preparation for Danish as we head into the next race in Portugal.”
Danish picked up another nine points in Qatar which moved him one place up to eighth in the overall Moto3 standings with 125 points to his name.
Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar), who has already secured the title, is first on 392 points. Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP’s David Almansa (253 points) and Carpe (216 points) round out the top-three.
Moto3 will next race at the Grand Prix of Portugal on Nov 20-22.