AFTER becoming crowned Asia Talent Cup (ATC) champion for 2022 on Sunday, Malaysian rider Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli hopes to be able to maintain the winning momentum in his debut appearance in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup 2023.

At Mandalika International Street Circuit in Lombok, Indonesia, on Sunday, 15-year-old Hakim became the first Malaysian and the second rider from southeast Asia to win the title.

The young rider from Terengganu collected 187 points, edging out the challenge of Shinya Ezawa from Japan (177pts) and home rider Vede Ega (141).

“I am very happy to win the ATC overall champion title and to be the first Malaysian to do so. The competition was fierce with Ezawa.

“This year I am satisfied, next year I need to work hard and keep the momentum because I will start in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, where the European riders are fast, so I have to start preparing early,” he said upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport last night.

He dedicated his victory to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), the ZK Racing crew and all his family members who have always supported and encouraged him.

SIC CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif said he was very satisfied with Hakim’s success this season, which was able to open the eyes of the community out there about the existence of motor sports.

“We see he is a new gem that still needs to be polished,” he said. – Bernama, November 15, 2022.