PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda tests at Misano with Mackenzie

Just four days after the conclusion of the fourth World Superbike round in Catalunya, the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda team has returned to the track for an important two-day test session at the Misano World Circuit in Italy.

With both its Superbike riders currently recuperating – Eric Granado suffered a race 1 crash at Barcelona while Hafizh Syahrin crashed out of Sunday’s second race – Midori Moriwaki’s team fielded Supersport rider Tarran Mackenzie during this test, so as to move forward and make the most of valuable track time.

Riding on both Thursday 11 and Friday 12 May, Mackenzie spent the first session getting to grips with the CBR1000RR-R, a bike he was riding for the first time. Working methodically with the team’s technicians, the British rider concentrated on building feeling during his first outing with the Honda Superbike.

The weather played a critical role, with rain affecting the work schedule on both days. While Thursday morning remained dry, heavy rainfall interrupted the team’s work later in the afternoon. On Friday, Mackenzie was able to complete the work the team had planned despite intermittent rain throughout the day. The PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda team is satisfied with the progress made and will now continue with preparations back at base ahead of the next Superbike and Supersport rounds, which will take place at the same Misano circuit on 2-4 May.

Tarran Mackenzie

“Yesterday was exciting as I was riding the CBR1000RR-R for the first time. I hadn’t been to this track for six years either, so it wasn’t easy of course, and riding a different bike meant there was a lot for me to take in and understand but as the day went on, we continued to improve. We made some changes for today, to try and improve my feeling and make me more comfortable, and things went a little better overall I’d say. The weather wasn’t great, but I felt quite good in the rain this morning. I think I perhaps improved a little, but I’d definitely need more time to understand everything. I’m happy to have tested here though and have learned a lot over the two days.”