Mackenzie and Norrodin aim to take steps in Spain
Following a reorganization of its WorldSSP team internal structure, MIE Racing thanks MS Racing and takes control of all operational activities as the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team prepares for round four of the 2023 Supersport World Championship, taking place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain.
Having concluded the Dutch WorldSSP round just ten days ago, riders Tarran Mackenzie and Adam Norrodin have focused on their training and overall fitness, with Adam now fully recovered after suffering with a stomach complaint at Assen.
With the practice sessions set to get underway on Friday 5, Mackenzie and Norrodin will be looking to build on the work done at the last round. Both team representatives have previous knowledge of the Catalunya track, with the Brit having raced in Barcelona in 2017 while competing in Moto2 and the Malaysian having competed at the Spanish circuit on several occasions before now. This gives them both something of a confidence boost heading into this fourth championship round.
Officially opened in 1991, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is located very close to the city of Barcelona and has been a regular fixture on F1 and MotoGP calendars over the years. The Spanish facility only appeared on the WorldSBK calendar for the first time in 2020, but riders enjoy its fast and flowing layout. In its current configuration, the track measures 4657 metres and incorporates eight right-hand corners and six left-handers.
Tarran Mackenzie
“The one and only time I raced at Catalunya was back in 2017, in Moto2, but I enjoy the track and knowing it already will be an advantage. I think it will be a lot of fun to ride with this bike, so I’m looking forward to getting started. Hopefully with some improvements we can take a big step forward as a team – let’s see what we can do.”
Adam Norrodin
“My main aim has been to get back to full fitness following my illness at Assen. I know the Barcelona track very well and that’s a good thing heading into the weekend. We are also confident that the bike will perform better in Catalunya, allowing us to take another step. Having worked with my new crew chief for the first time in Holland, we now have good understanding and can get to work this weekend with a clear head and positive attitude.”
Track information:
Country: Spain
Name: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Length: 4.657 km
Corners: 6 left-hand, 8 right-hand
SBK RECORDS: Best lap – Aegerter (Yamaha) 1’45.157 (2022). Superpole – Aegerter (Yamaha) 1’43.983 (2022).
2022 SBK RESULTS:
Race 1 – 1. Aegerter (Yamaha); 2. Baldassarri (Yamaha); 3. Oncu (Kawasaki)
Race 2 – 1. Aegerter (Yamaha); 2. Oncu (Kawasaki); 3. Manzi (Triumph)
