Malaysia’s rising star Hakim Danish delivered a breakthrough performance in Qualifying, securing a sensational P3 — and his first-ever front row start — at Round 2 of the Moto3 World Championship in Brazil.
Racing for AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSi, the young rider showcased determination and rapid improvement at the iconic Autódromo Internacional de Goiânia – Ayrton Senna.
Hakim’s journey to the front row was anything but straightforward.
After finishing 12th in Practice with a best lap of 1:30.989, he progressed into Q2 but faced another challenge in FP2 — ending the session in 17th with a time of 1:28.132, over eight-tenths off the pace.
Adding to the disruption, track action was delayed due to a sinkhole issue on the circuit surface, forcing teams and riders to adapt quickly under changing conditions.
When it mattered most, Hakim delivered. In a high-pressure Q2 session, the Malaysian rider found another level, clocking an impressive 1:26.448 — just 0.207 seconds shy of pole position.
The benchmark was set by Spain’s Joel Esteban, but Hakim’s lap was enough to secure P3 and a historic front row start — a major milestone early in his Moto3 career.
The result signals a significant step forward for Hakim, who entered the Brazil round still searching for his first points of the season after a difficult opener in Buriram.
Starting from the front row for the first time, Hakim is perfectly placed to challenge at the front when the lights go out.
With confidence building and momentum on his side, the Brazilian Grand Prix could mark the turning point of his 2026 campaign.
Credit Photo : ZK Racing
