Hakim Danish Opens JuniorGP Campaign with Podium Finish in Portugal

Danish’s strong performance against international competition highlights his promising talent, methodical approach, and developed racecraft.

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Malaysian rising star Hakim Danish made an impressive start to his 2025 FIM JuniorGP World Championship season, securing second place at the opening round in Portugal’s Circuito do Estoril. The SIC Racing – MSI rider demonstrated remarkable progress throughout the weekend, climbing from 19th in Friday’s FP1 to a front-row qualifying position before claiming his first podium of the season. 

The 17-year-old showed his growing maturity in the highly competitive junior category, improving his pace significantly between sessions. After finishing ninth in FP2, Danish delivered a standout qualifying performance to secure third on the grid. When race day arrived under perfect conditions, the young Malaysian engaged in an intense battle for position with Ireland’s Casey O’Gorman and Finland’s Rico Salmela. 

“This is my first JuniorGP podium for 2025 – P2!” an excited Danish said after the race. “It wasn’t the best start, but I managed to catch up. Brian [Uriarte] had stronger pace today, but we’ll work to close that gap for Jerez.” His second-place finish came after a dramatic final lap incident between his rivals allowed him to break clear and secure the position unchallenged.

SIC Racing – MSI Team Manager Zulfahmi Khairuddin praised his rider’s consistency: “Hakim has started the year strongly in both Red Bull Rookies Cup and JuniorGP with podium finishes. We’ve learned from last season and have full confidence he can maintain this level.” 

With 20 championship points from the opener, Danish sits second in the standings behind Spain’s Brian Uriarte. The young Malaysian now prepares for back-to-back challenges, first at Le Mans for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup (9-11 May) before returning to JuniorGP action at Jerez (31 May – 1 June).