Moto3: Early promise fades as Danish settles for 18th in Mandalika qualifying

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite showing early promise during qualifying, Moto3 rookie Hakim Danish Ramli will start from 18th place on the grid for tomorrow's Grand Prix of Indonesia.

The AEON Credit-MT Helmets-MSI rider did well to place second in qualifying one (Q1) after clocking one minute, 37.980 seconds at the Mandalika circuit earlier today, which allowed him to progress to Q2.

The 19-year-old, however, could not replicate his pace in the faster Q2 group and was forced to settle for 18th on 1:39.619s.

Red Bull KTM Ajo's Brian Uriarte, Danish's old rival from the Red Bull Rookies Cup series, took pole on a solid 1:36.861s.

Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP's David Almansa (+0.087s) was a close second while Uriarte's teammate Alvaro Carpe (+0.156s) rounded out the front row.

Danish did well to finish third at Mugello and clinch his maiden GP win at Brno in June but his form has tapered since the summer break.