Hakim Danish’s sensational maiden Moto3 World Championship victory at the 2026 Monster Energy Grand Prix of Czechia has been hailed as a landmark moment for Malaysian motorsport, with ZK Racing Team Manager Zulfahmi Khairuddin describing the achievement as beyond expectations for the rookie rider.
The 18-year-old Malaysian produced a stunning comeback from 14th on the grid—after receiving a 12-place grid penalty despite qualifying second—to claim a memorable victory at the Automotodrom Brno, becoming the first Malaysian rider in a decade to win a Moto3 Grand Prix race since Khairul Idham Pawi’s victory at the 2016 German Grand Prix.
Speaking after the race, former Moto3 rider and ZK Racing Team Manager Zulfahmi Khairuddin admitted he had not expected Hakim to stand on the top step of the podium so early in his World Championship career.
“Alhamdulillah, this is a victory that makes us incredibly proud.
“Honestly, I did not expect Hakim Danish to win a Grand Prix race this early in the season because this is his rookie season in the Moto3 World Championship.
“However, I have always believed in Hakim Danish’s ability. Today, he proved that a Malaysian rider is capable of competing and winning in one of the toughest racing championships in the world.”
Zulfahmi highlighted Hakim’s remarkable speed throughout the CzechGP weekend, noting that the teenager immediately adapted to a circuit he had never raced on before.
Hakim dominated Friday by topping both practice sessions while breaking the Moto3 all-time lap record at Brno twice in a single day before qualifying second fastest on Saturday.
Although a 12-place grid penalty dropped him to 14th on the starting grid, the Malaysian rookie carved his way through the field with an aggressive yet composed ride before taking victory in the closing stages.
“Throughout the week, he showed extraordinary potential. He was incredibly fast at Brno, even though it was his first time racing at this circuit.
“I am extremely proud and would like to congratulate Hakim Danish on this very special achievement.”
For Zulfahmi, the breakthrough victory represents more than just a personal milestone for Hakim—it is proof that Malaysia possesses the talent to succeed at the highest level of motorcycle racing.
“This victory places Malaysia at a different level in motorsport.
“I have always believed that our country has many talented motorsport athletes. What we need is a stable and sustainable development programme.”
Hakim’s triumph is seen as another significant step in Malaysia’s growing reputation for producing world-class motorcycle racers, following the successes of riders such as Khairul Idham Pawi.
Zulfahmi also dedicated the victory to the many organisations and individuals who have supported the long-term development of young Malaysian riders.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has worked tirelessly to develop our young talents.
“Today, the programme we have built over the years has proven capable of producing a rider who can win a Moto3 Grand Prix.
“Thank you to all the supporters, the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), my team at ZK Racing, and everyone who has continuously worked alongside me to develop young talents like Hakim Danish.”
Hakim Danish’s historic victory at Brno marks one of the biggest milestones in recent Malaysian motorsport history. Beyond ending the country’s 10-year wait for a Moto3 Grand Prix winner, the performance has reinforced confidence that Malaysia’s rider development pathway is capable of producing future stars on the world stage.
For Zulfahmi Khairuddin, the CzechGP success is not simply the culmination of years of work—it is the beginning of a new era for Malaysian motorcycle racing, with Hakim Danish emerging as the country’s newest international motorsport star.
Credit Photo : ZK Racing
