SEPANG: Despite missing out on the podium, Zulfahmi Khairuddin said he is still proud of his charge Hakim Danish Ramli after the latter finished fourth in the Moto3 race at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia on Sunday.
Zulfahmi said the 19-year-old, who had been struggling for form in recent months, did well to handle the pressure of his home GP.
“He handled his emotions very well and was very competitive throughout the weekend,” said Zulfahmi.
“Of course it would have been great if he finished on the podium but he was just unable to pass the riders on the final turn.
“I am still very proud of him and I am sure all the fans who came to watch him today feel the same.
“I am very happy with his performances and so is his team.
“If you just look back at Phillip Island last week and compare it to today, there is a huge difference. Having said that, Danish still has a long way to go in his career and we will go through it together.”
The Aeon Credit-MT Helmets-MSI rider could only manage 23rd in qualifying at Phillip Island. He started the Moto3 race from the front row in third.
Zulfahmi, who has been mentoring and managing Danish since 2020, remains the last Malaysian rider to have finished on the moto3 podium at Sepang.
He qualified on pole in 2012 and finished second in the race.