SEPANG, Oct 29 — National Moto3 rider Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli continued his impressive progress at the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (Moto3) by securing third place in today’s qualifying session (Q2) at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) here.

The AEON Credit-MT Helmets-MSI rider clocked two minutes 10.52 seconds (s) to secure a front-row starting position for tomorrow’s race.

Hakim Danish, who showed improved performance throughout the qualifying session, was just 0.133s behind Spanish rider Maximo Quiles of CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team, who emerged as the fastest with a time of 2:10.39s.

Quiles’ compatriot, Brian Uriarte of Red Bull KTM Ajo, took second place with a time of 2:10.48s, while Hakim Danish completed the top three.

Commenting on his achievement, Hakim Danish said starting among the front runners in tomorrow’s race was important in his bid to secure a podium finish, but admitted that he had to work hard throughout what he described as a challenging qualifying session.

“Alhamdulillah, I am very happy to have secured P3 in the qualifying session. It was not an easy session, but I worked hard and tried to give my best on every lap to secure a front-row position.

“Of course, starting tomorrow’s race from the front row is very important to stay among the leading group and keep up with the faster riders until the end of the race,” he told reporters after the session here today.

Hakim Danish said, however, that he needed to improve several aspects of his performance to ensure he could deliver his best in tomorrow’s race.

“I think sectors one and three still need a little improvement. I will try to improve my performance in those sections tomorrow. Before arriving for the Malaysian GP, I was also a little worried about racing on home ground, but I did not lose heart and remained positive about giving my best,” he said.

In the first qualifying session (Q1), Spanish rider Angel Cruces of CIP Green Power emerged as the fastest with a time of 2:11.414s.

Italian rider Guido Pini (Leopard Racing) finished second in 2:11.614s, while Japanese rider Ryusei Yamanaka (AEON Credit-MT Helmets-MSI) took third place with a time of 2:11.665s. — Bernama