Malaysian Duo Shine in Europe with Victory and Podium Finishes

Hakim Danish and Qabil Irfan deliver stellar performances in Europe, securing a podium and a win each in the Red Bull Rookies Cup and ESBK Barcelona.

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It was a triumphant weekend for Malaysian talents Hakim Danish and Qabil Irfan, who delivered stellar performances in two prestigious international championships – the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the España Superbike Championship (ESBK). Racing under the SIC Racing banner, both riders capped off their weekends with a podium and a win each.

Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup – Round 4, Mugello, Italy Race 1: Bold Strategy, Narrow Outcome

Hakim Danish started Race 1 strong, running within the top five during the opening laps. Though he dropped to 8th midway, he masterfully used the slipstream to overtake seven riders in a single move, taking the lead of a fiercely competitive front group involving more than 14 riders.

However, in the final two laps, Hakim lost several positions and crossed the finish line in 14th. Post-race, he was promoted to 13th place after a penalty was issued to Sullivan Mounsey.

Race 2: Composed Ride, Near Victory

Race 2 showcased a more composed and tactical Hakim. He stayed within the leading pack throughout and took the lead multiple times despite intense jostling. In a well-executed final lap, Hakim held the lead through the last corner and created a slight gap over Indonesian rider Veda Pratama.

But in a dramatic finish, Veda used the slipstream to overtake Hakim just before the line, by a margin of only 0.011 seconds, leaving Hakim in second place, his first podium of the season.

“Alhamdulillah, I finished second in Race 2. It was a tough race with a tight front group and lots of overtakes. I stayed calm and managed my position well today. Race 1 didn’t go to plan, but I’ve learned and improved. I’m now ready for the FIM JuniorGP in France and the next Rookies Cup round in Germany,” says Hakim.

España Superbike Championship (ESBK) – Round 2, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Race 1: Smart Strategy, Strong Finish in Europe

Qabil Irfan faced scorching 45°C track temperatures and a tight five-rider front pack. He nailed the perfect start by claiming the ‘hole shot’ and led early. In the closing lap, as race leader Enzo Zaragoza crashed out in the final three corners, Qabil seized the moment and crossed the line in second place after a well-timed slipstream move.

Race 2: Tactical Mastery, First Win

Race 2 lived up to expectations with seven riders trading positions throughout. Qabil strategically held back early to conserve tyre life, aiming for a late-race charge. On the final lap, he surged to the front and defended his lead despite immense pressure from Nikola Miroslavov. In a photo finish, Qabil secured his first ESBK win by a margin of just 0.006 seconds.

A Rising Force on the International Stage

These standout results by Hakim Danish and Qabil Irfan are a testament to the growing strength of Malaysia’s next generation of racers. With the Red Bull Rookies Cup, FIM JuniorGP, and ESBK continuing in the coming weeks, all eyes will be on this rising duo as they carry the Malaysian flag proudly in Europe.