KUALA LUMPUR: Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif is hoping Moto3 rookie Hakim Danish Ramli will rediscover his form in his remaining races this season.
SIC is banking on the 19-year-old - by far the best young rider Malaysia has had over the past decade - to pull local fans to the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia (Oct 30-Nov 1).
Danish has notched seven top-10 finishes this season. He finished third at Mugello and went on to win his maiden GP at Brno, both in June, but his form has tapered since then.
Shafriman is keen to see him bounce back.
"I think Danish has done very well for his first year. It is very difficult to finish on the podium at this level," said Shafriman yesterday.
"He has proven himself by achieving one race win and one other podium finish this season. To achieve this in his first year is amazing.
"Performance-wise, however, he has had some ups and downs this season.
"Hopefully he will bounce back and fight hard in the remaining races."
SIC have played a huge role in Danish's development over the years as he is essentially a product of their two-wheel rider development programme, headed by Zulfahmi Khairuddin via his ZK Racing outfit.
Danish finished 14th at the Grand Prix of Indonesia after a difficult weekend at the Mandalika circuit.
He is currently ninth in the overall Moto3 standings with 107 points to his name.
Danish will next race at the Grand Prix of Australia on Oct 23-25 which is the last race before the Malaysian GP.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd