Malaysian sensation Hakim Danish produced the ride of his young career to secure a historic third-place finish in the Moto3 World Championship Round 7 – Brembo Grand Prix of Italy 2026, delivering Malaysia’s first Grand Prix podium in nine years at the iconic Mugello Circuit, Tuscany.
The AEONCredit–MT Helmets–MSi rider converted his impressive qualifying performance into an even bigger achievement on race day, fighting among the frontrunners throughout a thrilling Moto3 contest before sealing a breakthrough podium in the final moments of the race.
Starting from Grid 2 after an outstanding qualifying session on Saturday, Hakim immediately launched into contention when the lights went out, surging into the lead during the opening lap and announcing his intentions against some of the world’s best young riders.
Although he was eventually shuffled back amid the intense slipstream battles that define Moto3 racing, the Malaysian teenager never dropped out of podium contention. Demonstrating maturity beyond his years, Hakim maintained his position inside the leading group and carefully managed his race as the battle for victory intensified.
As the race entered its decisive final lap, Hakim unleashed one final attack. Timing his move perfectly, the Malaysian rider powered his way into third place and held off the chasing pack all the way to the finish line, crossing the chequered flag just 0.456 seconds behind the race winner.
The result marks not only Hakim’s first Moto3 World Championship podium, but also a landmark moment for Malaysian motorsport.
It is the first time in nearly a decade that a Malaysian rider has stood on a Grand Prix podium, with former MotoGP rider Hafizh Syahrin being the last Malaysian to achieve the feat when he finished on the podium in the Moto2 class at the 2017 San Marino Grand Prix.
The Mugello podium rewarded Hakim with 16 championship points, taking his season tally to 43 points after seven rounds of the 2026 Moto3 campaign.
More importantly, the result confirms the rapid progress of the Malaysian rider, who has consistently shown increasing speed and confidence throughout his rookie season.
Just one day earlier, Hakim had impressed by progressing through Q1 before sensationally qualifying on the front row in second position—his second front-row start of the year after his breakthrough performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The race victory went to Spanish rookie Brian Uriarte of Red Bull KTM Ajo, who delivered a composed performance to win in 33:07.801 minutes.
However, for Malaysian fans, the story belonged to Hakim Danish. On one of MotoGP’s most legendary circuits, the teenager announced himself on the world stage with a fearless performance, becoming the latest Malaysian rider to carry the nation’s hopes in Grand Prix racing.
Credit Photo : ZK Racing
