malaysiangKUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) — Outside they are friends but are ‘foes’ when on the motorcycle racing track.
That about sums up the relationship between two young national riders, Danial Syahmi Sharil and Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli, who will compete in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in the 2023 season.
Either way, Danial Syahmi and Muhammad Hakim are each determined to put on great rides to promote the country’s name in the 14-leg competition that will kick off in Portimao, Portugal on March 25 and 26.
Danial Syahmi, 21, said he has to set aside his friendship with Muhammad Hakim in his effort to place himself among the top five riders at the end of the season.
“Of course we are friends outside but when racing, I will fight all the way and not give any quarter.
“Last season I achieved 14th place overall but this time I want to get at least fifth position on the condition that I must get as many podium positions as possible,” he said when met recently.
As Muhammad Hakim will be making his debut in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, Danial Syahmi had the chance to tell the 15-year-old rider to be ready to face fierce opposition from riders from other countries.
“Muhammad Hakim should get to know the other riders first because they are more aggressive and the competition will certainly be challenging compared to the Asian Talent Cup (ATC) Championship,” he said.
Last year, Muhammad Hakim made history by becoming the first Malaysian and the second rider from Southeast Asia to win the overall ATC title, since the competition was first introduced in 2014.
Meantime, Muhammad Hakim said his preparations so far have gone well and is determined to finish every race in his quest to get the best position in his first season.
“Even though I can expect stiff competition from the other riders, many of whom can ride fast, I will still give my best,” he said.
The Red Bull Rookies Cup is the initial platform that is the dream of all young riders from around the world and has produced many big names in the World Motorcycle Championship such as Raul Fernandez, Jorge Martin, Johann Zarco and Miguel Oliveira.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
