Malaysian Moto3 rising star Hakim Danish Ramli has suffered a major setback ahead of the Czech Grand Prix, after being handed a 12-place grid penalty for riding unnecessarily slowly during the Q2 qualifying session at Automotodrom Brno.
The penalty wipes out what had been an outstanding qualifying performance by the AEON Credit–MT Helmets–MSi rider, who had originally secured second on the grid. Instead, the 18-year-old will now start Sunday’s Moto3 race from 14th position.
Hakim had enjoyed one of his strongest weekends of the 2026 Moto3 season in Brno.
After topping both Friday’s Practice session and setting two all-time Moto3 lap records at the Czech circuit, the Malaysian continued his impressive form by qualifying second, just 0.017 seconds behind polesitter David Almansa.
However, his front-row celebration proved short-lived.
Following an investigation by the Moto3 Stewards, Hakim was found to have ridden excessively slowly during Q2 while attempting to position himself behind another rider to gain a slipstream, commonly known as a “tow.”
The stewards imposed a 12-grid-place penalty, dropping him from P2 to P14 for the Grand Prix.
Hakim was not the only rider sanctioned.
The Moto3 Stewards also handed identical penalties to three other competitors for the same infringement:
- Veda Ega Pratama (Indonesia): P8 ➝ P20
- Guido Pini (Italy): P12 ➝ P24
- Rico Salmela (Finland): P18 ➝ P26
The penalties were issued after multiple riders were deemed to have slowed significantly in various sectors of the circuit while waiting to pick up a slipstream from faster riders.
MotoGP officials have increasingly cracked down on this practice in recent seasons, citing the serious safety risks created when riders travel well below racing speed during qualifying sessions.
The sanction comes as a significant blow to Hakim, who had established himself as one of the favourites for a podium finish after dominating much of the weekend’s track action.
Despite losing his front-row starting position, the Malaysian youngster remains optimistic of fighting through the field.
Brno’s layout traditionally offers overtaking opportunities, and Hakim has already demonstrated race-winning pace throughout practice and qualifying.
Starting from 14th, however, means the Malaysian faces a much greater challenge if he hopes to continue his impressive 2026 campaign and add valuable points to his Moto3 World Championship tally.
While the penalty has undoubtedly complicated his race strategy, Hakim has already shown throughout the season that he possesses both the speed and determination to recover from adversity.
With his pace among the strongest in the field, Sunday’s Czech Grand Prix now presents another opportunity for the young Malaysian talent to showcase his overtaking ability and fighting spirit.
A strong comeback from the seventh row could yet salvage an important result as Hakim continues his pursuit of a breakthrough Moto3 victory in 2026.
Credit Photo : ZK Racing
