Hakim Danish targets strong Phillip Island run before Moto3 homecoming at Sepang
Malaysian Moto3 rider Hakim Danish heads to the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, sitting ninth overall, with his home race at Sepang a week later.
Malaysian Moto3 rider Hakim Danish heads into this weekend's Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island looking to build momentum before the most anticipated race of his season: his home round at Sepang a week later. The 19-year-old from Kuala Terengganu, who rides for the AEON Credit-MT Helmets-MSi team, sits ninth in the Moto3 standings with 107 points.
A new challenge in Australia
The Australian Grand Prix runs from 23 to 25 October, and Phillip Island will be unfamiliar territory for the Malaysian. In a statement reported by Bernama on 20 October, he said the circuit is "still new to me" and described its layout as very interesting. He said he was looking forward to Friday's first practice session to start learning the track.
Phillip Island is known for fast, sweeping corners and changeable coastal weather, which can reward riders who adapt quickly. The Moto3 race is scheduled for 11am local time (AEDT) on Sunday, 25 October, over 21 laps. That is 8am Malaysia time, giving local fans an early start to their Sunday.
A breakthrough season so far
Hakim's first full Moto3 campaign has already produced a career highlight. In June he claimed his maiden Grand Prix victory at the Czech Republic round in Brno, winning a last-lap battle despite starting from a grid penalty. He had earlier taken a podium at Mugello in Italy.
Those results have established him among the class's regular points scorers. The current top ten, according to the latest standings, is closely packed in the middle: Veda Pratama is seventh on 115 points and Matteo Bertelle eighth on 109, just ahead of Hakim, so a strong weekend could lift him up the order.
The title itself is already settled. Spain's Maximo Quiles has wrapped up the 2026 Moto3 crown and leads with 351 points, with David Almansa second on 219.
Sepang next on the calendar
After Australia, the series moves straight to the Petronas Sepang International Circuit for the Malaysian Grand Prix from 30 October to 1 November. Hakim has said it is important to ride well in Australia before carrying home fans' hopes at Sepang.
His only previous Grand Prix appearance at Sepang came as a wildcard in 2025, when he qualified 12th and set the fastest lap before retiring with a technical problem. This year he returns as a race winner with a full season of experience behind him.
Background
A former Asia Talent Cup champion in 2022, the first Malaysian to win that series, Hakim progressed through the European Talent Cup, the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the FIM JuniorGP World Championship before stepping up to Moto3.
Key takeaways
- Hakim Danish is ninth in Moto3 with 107 points heading to Phillip Island.
- The Moto3 Australian GP starts at 8am Malaysia time on Sunday, 25 October.
- Phillip Island is a new circuit for the 19-year-old.
- He won his first Moto3 race at Brno in June 2026.
- The Malaysian GP at Sepang follows from 30 October to 1 November.
FAQ
Q: What time is the Moto3 Australian Grand Prix in Malaysia? A: The race starts at 11am AEDT on Sunday, 25 October, which is 8am Malaysia time.
Q: Which team does Hakim Danish ride for? A: He rides for the AEON Credit-MT Helmets-MSi team in the 2026 Moto3 World Championship.
Q: When is the 2026 Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang? A: The Malaysian Grand Prix takes place at Sepang International Circuit from 30 October to 1 November 2026.
Sources: Bernama, MCNews, Wikipedia