Hakim Danish described his full debut campaign in the 2026 Moto3 World Championship as an invaluable learning process, despite missing out on points in the opening round at the Thailand Grand Prix (GP) today.

Competing under the AEON Credit MT Helmets MSi, Hakim Danish started the race at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram from 15th on the grid and finished in 18th position.

Lap by lap, Hakim Danish demonstrated strong determination in the early stages of the race, climbing to 14th place on both the second and fourth laps.

However, maintaining the pace with the leading group proved challenging, and he ultimately had to settle for P18 at the chequered flag. He completed the race 25.810 seconds behind Spanish winner David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), who recorded a winning time of 32 minutes 14.186 seconds.

Second place went to Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), while Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) completed the podium.

Meanwhile, misfortune struck Hakim’s team-mate, Ryusei Yamanaka, who crashed on the second lap.

Reflecting on his debut performance, Hakim Danish admitted the result in Thailand was not what he had hoped for, particularly as he had set a target of scoring points in the Moto3 race.

Nevertheless, he believes the Thailand round marked a positive start and emphasised that there is still significant room for improvement, especially in terms of building stronger chemistry with the KTM Moto3 machine.

Fully aware of the fierce competition in the Moto3 class, the Terengganu-born rider intends to use the Thailand race as a benchmark to further refine his riding style ahead of the second round.

Although he narrowly missed out on points, Hakim Danish’s performance as a rookie deserves recognition, having successfully finished the race and progressed to Q2 on merit yesterday. His focus now shifts firmly towards securing points at the upcoming round in Brazil.

Hakim Danish:

“Finishing the race in 18th position was not the result I was hoping for. The race was quite difficult. I tried to stay with the leading group, but their pace was different and very fast. I pushed as hard as I could to move forward, but I know there is still a lot I need to improve in my riding.

“At the moment, I am still in the process of finding my rhythm and adapting to the Moto3 machine. I need to find the right set-up so the bike is easier to handle. I will continue working hard ahead of next week.

“For the next race, my focus will be on improving my riding style, especially how I manage the KTM machine. I need to improve my braking and my corner entry. Although my communication with the team is already quite good, I want to strengthen it further so we can work even better together.

“The next round is the Brazil GP. It is a new circuit for all the riders, so the competition will be more open. I’m really excited and looking forward to racing there. I will give my very best.”

Zulfahmi Khairuddin, Team Manager:

“On behalf of Hakim Danish, this is certainly not a satisfying result. However, I believe this is part of the learning process that every rookie rider must go through.

“We know that last year Hakim Danish looked stronger in the final three rounds of the World Championship, but this time, coming into the opening round as a full-time rider, the situation is quite different.

“I am confident that there are many areas we need to improve, especially in how Hakim Danish handles the KTM machine. There are still many aspects that Danish needs to understand. He must communicate better with the team so that the bike set-up can be adjusted to suit his riding style.

“Of course, this journey is still a long one. I will always support Hakim Danish’s development and continue to encourage him to come back stronger.”