Teenage sensation Hakim Danish Ramli scripted a magnificent chapter in Malaysian motorsport history today, securing his maiden world championship podium with a spectacular third-place finish at the Italian Moto3 Grand Prix.

The 18-year-old’s historic feat marks the end of a grueling 10-year podium drought for Malaysia in the Moto3 category. The nation last tasted podium success back in 2016, when Khairul Idham Pawi famously stormed to victory.

Competing in his very first full-time season on the world stage, the AEON Credit-MT Helmets-MSi rider received a massive pre-race boost when he was promoted to pole position.

This came after Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP’s David Almansa, who had originally secured the top grid slot, was declared unfit to race.

The race at the iconic Mugello Circuit was an absolute dogfight from the opening apex. Hakim Danish showcased maturity beyond his years, firmly anchoring himself within the leading pack for the opening five laps.

However, as the race crossed the midway point, the young Malaysian faced a massive tactical hurdle when his machine visibly began losing straight-line speed on Mugello’s notoriously long straight.

Refusing to back down, Hakim Danish unleashed a fierce, gritty comeback. He sliced his way back through the field into second place, executing critical overtakes in the closing stages.

Despite relentless pressure and multiple counter-attacks from rival riders, the Terengganu-born racer defended his lines brilliantly to lock down third place heading into the final corner.

Hakim Danish crossed the finish line with a time of 33 minutes 08.256 seconds. He took the checkered flag just 0.456 seconds behind race winner Brian Uriarte of the Red Bull KTM Ajo team, while Uriarte’s teammate, Alvaro Carpe, snatched second place by a whisker.

An ecstatic Hakim Danish could not hide his joy after the grueling 17-lap battle:

“I am so happy to secure a podium this year in my rookie season in Moto3. It’s a dream and something I’ve been waiting for, for a very long time. After trying so many times, I finally achieved it. The race was incredibly tight and fast, but I managed it well.”

With this historic third-place finish, Hakim Danish bags a precious 16 points, elevating his season tally to 43 points. He successfully retains 11th place in the overall riders’ championship standings, sitting just four points adrift of 10th-placed David Munoz.

Meanwhile, Maximo Quiles continues to lead the championship charge with 145 points.