Sepang boss backs Danish for home success despite recent struggles

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite suffering a dip in form recently, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) remains confident that Hakim Danish Ramli has what it takes to finish on the podium at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia which starts tomorrow.

The Moto3 rookie notched impressive results earlier this season, finishing third at Mugello and winning his maiden grand prix at Brno, both in July.

It was the first time a Malaysian had won a Moto3 race since Khairul Idham Pawi in 2016.

Danish has, however, only managed two top-10 finishes since then, the last of which came at the Red Bull Ring, four rounds ago.

SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif is aware of the pressure Danish is under, though is confident he will rise to the occasion at his home circuit.

The 19-year-old is a product of SIC's rider development programme, which has been managed by Zulfahmi Khairuddin's ZK Racing outfit.

"For Danish, we do not have to give him (additional) pressure as there is already pressure on him," said Shafriman yesterday.

"I believe everybody is expecting him to at least finish on the podium here. The Hakim Danish Tribune here has long been sold out.

"If you have been following his performances, you will know that he has had his ups and downs.

"It all depends on his preparations for this weekend and his mental strength in terms of how he copes (for his home race).

"We have full confidence that he will be on the podium.

"If he does his best, we will all be proud of him regardless of what result he achieves on Sunday."

Shafriman added that the Aeon Credit-MT Helmets-MSI rider's grid position will be key this weekend.

"The most important thing for Danish this weekend is qualifying," he said.

"He has to fight with the other riders to make sure he is well placed at the front."

Junior riders Qayyim Razin Razali, Naqib Rifqi Zulhelmi and Qabil Irfan Azlan will also see action in the Moto4 Asia Cup - formerly known as the Asia Talent Cup - at Sepang this weekend.