Misfortune for Hakim as crash denies him points in Hungary

PETALING JAYA: National rider Hakim Danish Ramli’s hopes of collecting points at the Hungarian Grand Prix in the Moto3 World Championship were dashed after an early crash saw his race end in the opening lap yesterday.

The 18-year-old, racing for the first time at the Balaton Park Circuit in Balatonfokajar, struggled to adjust to the track as he only managed to start in 19th place on the grid.

However, Hakim, racing for Aeon Credit-MT Helmets-MSi, tried to find space and charge towards the front pack once the starting lights went off, but was unlucky when he was caught in the mid-pack fight.

Hakim fell after an incident with South African rider Ruche Moodley, but showed spirit as he tried to keep going despite being dropped down the pack and lapped by the group.

Eventually, both Hakim and Moodley retired prematurely from the race.

It was a disappointing result for the Terengganu-born rider after capturing his maiden Moto3 podium finish at the Italian Grand Prix last week.

Hakim came in third at the Mugello Circuit and ended Malaysia’s wait for a podium finisher in the championship 10 years after Khairul Idham Pawi’s win in Argentina in 2016.

Hakim will now have time to reset before his next outing at the Czech Republic Grand Prix from June 19-21.

Meanwhile, it was an all-Spanish podium finish in Hungary as Maximo Quiles took the top spot, followed by David Almansa in second and Alvaro Carpe third. Quiles extended his lead in the championship to 170 points, while Carpe is in second with 111. Hakim is currently 10th with 48 points.