PETALING JAYA: Moto3 rookie Hakim Danish Ramli had to fight his way back after a slow start before settling for seventh place at the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday.
Despite starting seventh on the grid at the Lusail International Circuit, Hakim dropped to 13th by the end of the opening lap before mounting a recovery.
The Aeon Credit-MT Helmets-MSI rider found his rhythm in the closing stages and was in contention for a top-four finish.
However, he was forced to take evasive action on the final lap, ran wide and eventually crossed the line in seventh.
The 19-year-old said he never gave up on pushing forward.
“I started the race quite slowly and lost quite a few positions,” said Hakim.
“I tried to fight my way back and pushed hard.
“There was a gap to the group ahead, so I just tried to chase them down. I maintained my focus and was able to close the gap to the second group.
“On the final lap, I tried to compete with Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) but went off the racing line. I will continue to work hard and prepare for my next race,” he added.
Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP’s David Almansa claimed victory in 33:09.479, with Leopard Racing’s Adrian Fernandez and CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar’s Maximo Quiles completing the podium.
Quiles finished 2.585 seconds behind the winner.
Hakim collected another nine points in Qatar, moving up one place to eighth in the overall standings with 125 points.
Moto3 will next head to the Grand Prix of Portugal from Nov 20-22.
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