HAKIM DANISH IN TOP MENTAL, PHYSICAL SHAPE AHEAD OF SEASON-OPENING MOTO3 RACE

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- National teen rider Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli is in prime shape mentally and physically ahead of his first full campaign in the Moto3 class of the World Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) at this weekend's Thailand Grand Prix at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram.

Although he still has a lot to learn and improve on following a series of pre-season tests at the Portimao Circuit in Portugal and the Circuito de Jerez in Spain recently, the FRINSA-MT Helmets-MSI rider is confident he can give his best in the opening race of the new season in Thailand from Feb 27-March 1.

"The Moto3 race is very different in terms of technical machinery and race management. However, having had the experience of competing in three races last year, I have identified the critical aspects that I need to improve on, particularly clocking good times in the qualifying sessions and the strategy to adopt on race day,” he said in a statement today.

Last year, the 18-year-old made his maiden appearance in Moto3 on a wildcard ticket, representing Team  AEON CREDIT SICRacing MSI at the Malaysian GP at the Sepang International Circuit.

However, Hakim Danish failed to complete the race on home ground due to technical issues.

The Terengganu youngster was then given the opportunity to appear in the final two Moto3 rounds of the 2025 season - the Portuguese GP followed by the Valencia GP - representing FRINSA-MT Helmets-MSI as a replacement for the injured Ryusei Yamanaka of Japan.

The talented young rider recorded encouraging results, finishing 12th in the Portugal GP and 14th in the  Valencia GP in Spain.

-- BERNAMA