Hakim Danish’s mission in Moto3 begins in Thailand

The challenge for national rider Hakim Danish on the Motorcycle World Championship (MotoGP) stage in the Moto3 class begins this week, with Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand serving as his first destination in pursuit of a positive result.

The 18-year-old rider admitted that his mental and physical preparations are now at an optimum level ahead of the Thailand Grand Prix (GP), which will officially get underway this weekend from 27 February to 1 March.

After completing the pre-season test series at Portimão Circuit (Portugal) and Jerez (Spain), the Terengganu-born rider described himself as being in his best momentum to begin his first full-season campaign on the world stage.

Certainly, world-class competition does not promise an easy path, as this season’s Moto3 campaign features a highly competitive line-up of new faces, led by JuniorGP and Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup champion Brian Uriarte, who joins Red Bull KTM Ajo.

In addition, the Moto3 grid is filled with promising rookies such as Marco Morelli (Aspar Team), Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse), as well as the Honda Team Asia pairing of Veda Pratama (Indonesia) and Zen Mitani (Japan). Aware of the fierce challenge ahead, Danish, who finished third overall in last season’s Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, is determined to give his very best from the very first free practice session this Friday.

Hakim Danish:

“My feelings heading into the Thailand GP are extremely excited. My physical and mental preparations are in very good condition after completing the tests in Portimão and Jerez. Although there are still many things to learn and improve, I am confident of delivering my best performance at the season opener in Thailand.

The Moto3 competition is very different in terms of technical machinery and race management. However, with the experience of competing in three races last year, I have identified the critical aspects that need to be improved, particularly setting lap times in qualifying and race-day strategy.”

Zulfahmi Khairuddin, Team Manager:

🇬🇧“I would like to wish Hakim Danish all the best. I hope Danish will give his very best in his first appearance as a full-season rider in the Moto3 class. I believe his previous three appearances have given him an early insight into the pressure of competing on the prestigious world stage.

Now, the time has come for Danish to translate all the experience he has gained into greater success. We are not placing any target pressure or setting a specific finishing position for Danish at this stage, as the level of rookie competition in the Moto3 class is at the highest standard.

For example, Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3), who previously competed against Danish, managed to secure a podium on his debut last year. We hope the same positive outcome can happen for Danish. Our overall target, if possible, is to achieve at least one podium this year.

As for the opening race in Buriram, what we want is for him to be competitive. I am very confident in Danish’s potential, he is capable of becoming one of the main contenders in this season’s Moto3 campaign.”

Malaysia’s young trio set for thrilling Thailand Moto4 Asia Cup opener

Malaysia’s rising talents Qabil Irfan Azlan, Muhammad Naqib Rifqi and Qayyim Razin Razali are poised to begin their Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup campaign at the season-opening round taking place at the Chang International Circuit from 27 February to 1 March.

Held in conjunction with the FIM MotoGP World Championship during the Thailand Grand Prix weekend, the event is set to showcase intense and closely contested racing, featuring a full grid of 20 riders representing six nations.

This season introduces 15 newly selected riders, each determined to fight for top honours and establish their presence on the Asian racing scene.

Heading Malaysia’s challenge is Qabil Irfan Azlan, regarded as one of the strongest contenders for front-running positions following his standout showing at the recent official test at the Sepang International Circuit.

Clocking the second fastest overall time, Qabil demonstrated that he possesses the pace, confidence and race readiness required to contend with Asia’s top young competitors, particularly riders from Japan and Indonesia.

However, the Malaysian squad is expected to encounter stiff resistance from rivals who displayed impressive speed during pre-season preparations. The inclusion of Australian riders further elevates the level of competition, turning the Buriram circuit into a true benchmark for assessing race performance under competitive conditions.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Naqib Rifqi brings valuable track experience, having previously competed at the venue during the Thailand Talent Cup (TTC). His understanding of the circuit layout is expected to assist in refining machine setup and executing race strategy effectively, with the aim of securing a strong position from the opening practice sessions.

Completing the national line-up is Qayyim Razin Razali, who will make his debut appearance at Asian level competition. Despite his rookie status, Qayyim is targeting consistent performances from the outset and hopes to challenge for a podium finish or at least a top-five result in his first race weekend.

After the Thailand opener, the championship proceeds to Qatar for Round 2 from 10 to 12 April. Round 3 will take place at the Sepang International Circuit from 31 July to 2 August. The decisive phase of the 2026 season will see riders compete in Japan (2–4 October) and Indonesia (9–11 October), before concluding with the final round in Malaysia from 30 October to 1 November, where the championship title will be determined.

Qabil Irfan:

“The test session in Sepang provided a very positive indication ahead of the Moto4 round in Thailand. Overall, I feel fully prepared after undergoing solid preparations in Malaysia, and I am determined to give my very best in Round 1 for the people of Malaysia. Whatever the circumstances, I will give my maximum effort starting from the first practice session and aim to set competitive lap times as preparation for qualifying.

As for the challengers from Japan and Indonesia, as well as Australia, I believe they will be my main rivals. However, I am not entirely sure how the actual race dynamics will unfold — we will see how everything develops at the circuit this week.”

Qayyim Razin:

“I am very excited to begin this opening round as it marks my debut appearance at Asian level. The Sepang test showed significant improvement, particularly in terms of lap times and riding performance. Alhamdulillah, I was able to adapt quickly to the machine and work towards achieving the best possible setup.

In terms of competition, there are many fast riders in the Moto4 Asia field. I cannot afford to take things lightly, I must remain focused and continue with my physical training to stay competitive among the front group. For this first race, my target is to finish within the top five and, God willing, challenge for a podium. I will do my utmost to fight at the front and adapt to the circuit as quickly as possible.”

Naqib Rifqi:

The two-day official Moto4 test in Sepang was extremely beneficial in helping me adapt to the bike and find my rhythm. Over those two days, I was able to gain valuable knowledge from the team crew as well as from the other riders.

I achieved significant improvements throughout the test and I am very satisfied with the outcome. The competition in Moto4 Asia is indeed fast, as we could clearly see in Sepang. Now in Thailand, I will remain focused and continue to concentrate on my physical preparation.

For Round 1, I am targeting a position within the leading group, as I have the advantage of prior experience and mileage at the Buriram circuit from competing in the Thailand Talent Cup (TTC) previously.”