Hakim Danish keeps eyes on Red Bull Rookies prize
Danish is keen on becoming the first Malaysian rider to win the Red Bull Rookies Cup (RBR) and is in a good position to do so as he currently leads the championship with 154 points.
But with only two rounds (four races) remaining, the 18-year-old has little margin for error with a resurgent Brian Uriarte (Spain) trailing by only 13 points behind him.
The RCB-backed rider said clinching the RBR title would be "unforgettable".
"It would definitely mean a lot to me to win the RBR title," said Danish yesterday (July 31).
"All the best (young) riders from around the world come to compete in RBR, to be a part of it (series) is already an honour for me.
"To go up against them and actually win the title would be incredible. It would be unforgettable.
"I will definitely give it my all to win it and I am confident I can continue doing well. I want to finish my season the best way possible."
If he is successful in wrapping up the title, it will not be the first time Danish has created history for Malaysia in motorsports.
He became the first Malaysian rider to win the Asia Talent Cup (ATC) in 2022, beating Asia's top junior riders for the title.
Danish is also competing in the FIM JuniorGP World Championship this season and is seventh in the overall standings with 51 points.
A product of the Sepang International Circuit talent development programme, Danish is widely expected to make the step up to Moto3 next season.
He could be given a Moto3 wildcard for the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia (MotoGP Malaysia) later this year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
12 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Zulfahmi waits with bated breath as SIC 'shifts priorities'
KUALA LUMPUR: Zulfahmi Khairuddin is waiting anxiously for Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to make a final decision on whether Hakim Danish Ramli will race on a Moto3 wildcard at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia (Oct 24-26). The ZK Racing boss said discussions with them have been positive but stressed that ultimately, the decision lies in SIC's hands. ZK Racing has run SIC's two-wheeled motorsports talent development programme on behalf of them in recent seasons. "I have discussed this with SIC last week and they are also looking to make this wildcard programme (with Danish) a reality," said Zulfahmi recently. "But they (SIC) have yet to make a solid decision so I cannot make the announcement yet. They have indicated that they are willing to bear the costs but it has to be discussed among their directors first." Zulfahmi, however, admitted that he does have some concerns as he claims SIC's priorities have now shifted away from talent development. "I believe that talent development remains a factor but is no longer a priority for SIC as it was previously. This is because they also have to focus on other areas. It (talent development) is no longer very important to them," added Zulfahmi. "Nevertheless, as the person assigned to the task (talent development), I will continue to give my best. "I hope a decision will be made soon so we can adequately prepare Danish to compete at the Malaysian GP. I know what it feels like to go to a race without testing on a uncompetitive bike." Malaysian riders are often given wildcards to race in the Malaysian GP to help boost local fans turnout during the race weekend. Danish is currently Malaysia's top young talent. He is leading the prestigious Red Bull Rookies Cup competition with only two rounds remaining this season. SIC has played an important role in developing Malaysian talent in both two and four-wheeled motorsports over the past two decades. Zulfahmi, a former Moto2 and Moto3 rider, himself had also benefitted from SIC's talent development programme during his racing years. Adam Norrodin and Syarifuddin Azman are two World Championship riders SIC has helped produce in recent years while Danish, 18, is expected to make the step up to the Moto3 class next year.
Daily Express
4 hours ago
- Daily Express
Putting Sabah on the world cigar map
Published on: Saturday, August 02, 2025 Published on: Sat, Aug 02, 2025 Text Size: Winner Julian receiving the CSWC Borneo Championship Trophy from organiser of CSWC Borneo, Mikhail Thiruevarsu, the CEO of Aquilius Industries (right). Kota Kinabalu: Sabahan Julian Lo beat 19 others at the Borneo round of the 'Cigar Smoking World Championships (CSWC) Borneo 2025' recently. He will compete in the Malaysian finals in Kuala Lumpur next month with the grand finals in Split, Croatia, from Aug. 28 to 31 for the Grand Final Slow Smoking Race. Julian managed to smoke the longest (I hour and 40 minutes) without relighting to clinch the Borneo Championship trophy, pipping Indonesia's Yadie Dayana (1 hour and 33 minutes) by some 7 minutes. Another Sabahan John Fernandez took third placing (1 hour and 15 minutes). The oldest contestant was Tan Sri Abdul Majid Khan. The last world winner's time record was 3 hours and 28 minutes. Hilton Kota Kinabalu General Manager Smital Shah-Boultwood said it was privileged to host the event. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Hidalgo reveals why he owes his life to Maradona
PETALING JAYA: Like all Argentinian footballers, Kuala Lumpur's new winger Manuel Hidalgo looks up to the late Diego Maradona as an idol and inspiration. But for the 26-year-old, who joined the City Boys on loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), his fascination with the 1986 World Cup winner extends beyond the magic he created on the pitch. Hidalgo can even claim he owes his life to the legend, who many hail as the greatest player of all time. To put it poetically, he has been blessed by the ''hand of god'' – a reference to the controversial goal Maradona scored against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final. Look no further than Diego: Manuel Hidalgo in action for Kuala Lumpur against Sabah during a friendly match. — KL City FC 'I love him not just because of what he did in football – but because without him, I wouldn't be in this world,'' he said after a training session at the PKNS Field here yesterday. And there's an absorbing story behind that. Hidalgo's father, Gustavo, was living in Barcelona when Maradona was suspended for cocaine use and forced to return to Argentina in the 1980s. That unexpected turn led to him also returning home and eventually meeting the woman, Victoria, who would become the mother of his son, Manuel. 'My father met my mum in Argentina, and they went on to have me. So if not for Maradona, I won't be here in this world,' Hidalgo said. It is a remarkable twist of fate, one that Hidalgo carries with him not just emotionally, but literally – inked on his body. 'I have two Maradona tattoos, and a phrase from him across my back,' he adds proudly. Today, Hidalgo is thriving in a city he now calls home. 'I have a very good relationship with everyone, locals and import players as well.' Now entering his fifth season in Malaysia, Hidalgo speaks with a maturity that reflects his journey. He knows the expectations are high, but he has embraced them. A tattoo of Maradona on Hidalgo's hand. 'I think we (Kuala Lumpur) have an amazing team this year, and we're going to achieve great things for sure. 'We started not so hard, and I think that's good. ''Sometimes when you push too early, the players aren't fresh for the season. I think we'll arrive at the first game at 100 per cent.' Hidalgo is particularly impressed with the atmosphere within the team and the communication between coach Risto Vidakovic and the players. 'It's the best I've experienced in Malaysia by far. ''The connection is very good. We all feel it.' KL have been beset by financial problems in the past, but with changes in the top management, Hidalgo hopes his teammates don't need to wait for their dues. 'I have the luck that I'm part of JDT. When you have JDT behind you, everything is easier. ''They do things how they should be done, on time, professionally.'' Hidalgo also revealed that he is awaiting to be naturalised and hopes to don Malaysian colours one day. 'After December, I will have been in Malaysia for five years. Maybe by then, or next May, I can get something more official. I hope that can happen next year.'
