Supersport testing in Spain for the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team
The PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team has officially begun its 2024 Supersport World Championship campaign by participating in a key two-day test at the Almería Circuit in southern Spain with Malaysian rider Khairul Idham Pawi and Japanese rider Kaito Toba.
This was a first test for the two WorldSSP rookies, who will both be facing a steep learning curve this season as they work to get to grips with the CBR600RR, the WorldSSP race format, and some racetracks they have not seen before. Pawi and Toba were not showing any nerves this week, with the pair working tirelessly throughout the sessions to make their initial contributions to the team’s Supersport project. Fortunately, conditions were dry, meaning that the team could make good use of the two days. The lack of track time to date meant that the focus was not on outright speed of course, but rather on identifying the best riding position and base set-up to suit each of the new-entry riders. The team and riders had an opportunity to get to know each other better and leave Spain with a clearer idea as to the proposed work plan and method.
The final pre-season tests will see the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team on track at Phillip Island in Australia on 19-20 February. The squad will then return almost immediately to the very same track for round 1 of the 2024 WorldSSP season, set to take place over the weekend of 23-25 February.
Khairul Idham Pawi WorldSSP Rider #89
"I’m pleased with how the test has gone. This was an important opportunity for me to get to know the new bike and team and I think it’s been positive overall. We’ve already improved a little in terms of top speed, but we can do more in terms of exploiting the bottom power. Step by step, we will work to improve the bike and the riding. I’m happy to be part of the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team and now we look forward to starting the season in Australia."
Kaito Toba WorldSSP Rider #27
"This was only my second test with the team and this time we started working with the 2024 bike. We’ve identified some positives, but we need to keep working so that we can be competitive and fight in the races. I’m happy with the way the team is working, and I want to thank them for all their hard work up until now. Now we look forward to the final test at Phillip Island and the first races of the season."
Back to WorldSBK
