Hakim moves to top six after finishing seventh in Assen

PETALING JAYA: National rider Hakim Danish Ramli may have missed a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, but a seventh place was good enough to see him move into the top six of the Moto3 World Championships standings.

The Aeon Credit-MT Helmets-MSi rider, who started in 16th on the grid at the TT Circuit Assen, finished in 10th on Sunday but was promoted to seventh after several riders ahead of him were handed penalties.

It gave him nine points in the standings and moved one rung up to sixth with 82 points.

The Terengganu-born rider is now just 20 points behind Argentina’s Marco Morelli in sixth.

“I made a good start and worked my way through the field and got into the leading group, but they were faster,” said Hakim.

“I started to struggle in the final five laps with rear tyre grip. I did my best to defend and stay in the fight for podium, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.

“Overall, I’m pleased with my performance and can’t wait for the next race at the Sachsenring.”

Hakim will have a week to reset before the next round at the Grand Prix of Germany on July 12.

Said Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Racing team manager Zulfahmi Khairuddin: “Despite starting from 16th, Hakim managed to fight with the leading group. That is no easy feat at a highly technical circuit like Assen.

“He is now sixth in the standings, which is a remarkable achievement. To be honest, I did not expect him to reach this level so quickly.

“I hope Hakim stays healthy, remains competitive throughout the season and continues to learn from every race.”

The race in Assen was won by Spanish rider and championship leader Maximo Quiles, while compatriot David Almansa came in second, followed by Morelli in third.

Quiles has a comfortable lead in the championship with 211 points, as Alvaro Carpe is 90 points behind in second.