KUALA LUMPUR: Zulfahmi Khairuddin stressed that his charge Hakim Danish Ramli has to improve in terms of tactical maturity and mental strength after enduring a difficult outing at the Grand Prix of Indonesia.
The Moto3 rookie was penalised twice over the weekend. He was slapped with a back of the grid penalty for slow riding during qualifying one (Q1) at the Mandalika Circuit.
Despite starting last, the AEON Credit-MT Helmets-MSI rider did well to work his way up to a top-10 position during the race but was then involved in a last-lap incident with GRYD Racing's Joel Kelso which saw the latter crashing out of the race.
Danish was faulted for the incident and was given a three-second penalty. Despite crossing the line 12th, he was demoted to 14th due to the penalty.
Zulfahmi admitted that Danish has been inconsistent since the summer break.
"The race in Mandalika highlighted two important aspects of a rookie rider's development," said Zulfahmi.
"On the positive side, Danish's ability to fight his way from 26th on the grid into the top 10 demonstrates that he has the pace to challenge the leading group when starting from the front rows.
"However, in terms of tactical maturity and emotional management, I acknowledge that there have been challenges, particularly with the inconsistency in performance since the middle of the season.
"The high expectations following his strong results earlier in the season have also placed additional psychological pressure on him.
"In world-class motorsport, a difference of just one-tenth of a second during a race can be decisive. This requires a high level of mental resilience."
Zulfahmi has been mentoring and managing Danish since 2020 via his Sepang International Circuit-backed outfit, ZK Racing.
Danish did well to finish third at Mugello and clinch his maiden GP win at Brno in June, but his form has tapered since the summer break.
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