Pedro Acosta set the fastest time during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. Red Bull KTM Ajo’s newly crowned World Champion rode the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:33.768, eclipsing the new All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.024 he set hours earlier in the day.
American Joe Roberts improved his standing from 21st in FP1 to eighth in FP2 with a lap of 1:34.243 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex.
Roberts’ countryman Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) finished the session 32nd out of 32 riders with a time of 1:36.237, which was faster than the 1:36.576 he did in FP1.
Daniel Holgado topped Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. The Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider navigated the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:38.706 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Johann Zarco led MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. Riding his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati, the Frenchman lapped the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:30.191 to lead the field of 22 riders.
Qatar race winner Fabio Di Giannantonio was second-best on his Gresini Racing Ducati with a time of 1:30.378, and Zarco’s teammate Jorge Martin was third-quickest with a lap at 1:30.450.
Defending World Champion and current Championship point leader Francesco Bagnaia finished FP1 13th with a 1:30.969 on his Lenovo Ducati
Just 1.061 seconds separated the top 16 riders in FP1, and the entire field was covered by only 1.8 seconds.
Pedro Acosta led Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex, the newly crowned World Champion lapped the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:34,024. Not only was that fast enough to lead the 32-rider field, but it broke Alonso Lopez’ 2022 All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.314.
Americans Joe Roberts (1:35.293) and Sean Dylan Kelly (1:36.576) finished the session 21st and 31st, respectively.
Daniel Holgado was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. The Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider covered the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:38.919 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Featured In the November 2023 issue of Roadracing World:
Royal Enfield is enjoying a surge in sales. In fiscal year 2022-2023, the company sold more motorcycles than ever before, topping the 835,000 unit mark worldwide. To put that into perspective, according to Statista.com, in 2021 there were 550,000 new motorcycles of all brands (combined) sold in the U.S.
Royal Enfield’s largest market is in its home country, India, but more than 100,000 of those 835,000 motorcycles sold in 2022-23 were sold outside of India. The Americas are the company’s fastest-growing region, and the company itself is expanding. There are now more than 3,200 dealerships worldwide and three manufacturing facilities.
The point is, the company’s need for trained technicians at its dealerships is growing, and Royal Enfield is responding…
“Shops: Royal Enfield Tech Training Center,” by Michael Gougis
Central location, close to the company’s main import harbor, and avoiding the winters of the Midwest—that’s why Royal Enfield’s new tech training center is located just outside of Dallas, Texas. Take a look at how the company makes sure its motorcycles stay on the road, providing customers with miles of smiles—it’s all in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
RYVID ANTHEM: FILLING A GAP IN THE ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE LANDSCAPE
By Michael Gougis
In a year of interesting and unique new motorcycles, the Ryvid Anthem may be one of the more significant machines available. The full-electric, full-size motorcycle is less expensive than other electric machines, has a greater range than an e-bike, and is designed to be easy to ride for those moving from powered bicycles onto motorcycles.
In other words, the Anthem may be a platform that brings new riders into the sport.
Roadracing World took the Anthem on a spin through the streets of Long Beach, California and its surrounding neighborhoods. What we found was a refined city motorcycle, easy to ride, comfortable and quick enough for urban use, with design features that make sense and functionality enough to make commuting to work on one a viable proposition.
Tech Briefing
What would a motorcycle look like if it was designed around the mission of being easy to build, easy to ride for newcomers, easy to configure, easy to maintain and use? The Ryvid Anthem starts to answer those questions.
For ease of construction, the Anthem is based on a pressed-steel backbone frame that requires no welding. Power comes from a 72-volt, air-cooled brushless direct current motor that forms the front of the swingarm. The motor is rated at 10 horsepower and peaks at 20 horsepower and 53 lbs.-ft. of torque. It drives a carbon belt with a 4.7:1 ratio to the rear wheel.
The 4.3 kWh lithium-ion battery holds 84 volts when fully charged, and the pack is mounted low on the frame. Two latches hold it in place, and one of the key features of the Anthem is that the battery can be removed quickly and easily. Undo the latches, disconnect three cables, and rotate the battery off of its support pins. It drops onto a set of wheels and a handle extends upward, allowing the battery pack to be pulled along like an airline carry-on bag. A commuter can park, detach the battery and wheel it into their place of work, where it can be recharged from zero to 100 percent before lunch.
The company says the Anthem can reach a maximum speed of 75 mph and has a maximum range of 75 miles.
The Anthem comes with two power modes, Sport and Eco. In Sport mode, battery regeneration is engaged with a switch on the left handlebar. In Eco mode, regeneration during slowing is automatic. In both modes, regeneration starts to occur once the brakes are applied.
Road-ready weight for the Anthem is 313 pounds. One of the unique features of the machine is the electrically adjustable seat–press a button, and the seat can be raised or lowered between 30 and 34 inches high. A four-piston caliper is mated to a single 320mm brake disc on the front wheel, while a twin-piston caliper grips a 220mm disc at the rear. Suspension features inverted forks adjustable for rebound and compression damping with 3.9 inches of travel and a single shock with damping and preload adjustability and 1.3 inches of travel.
The Anthem rolls on cast-aluminum five-spoke rims, 3.50 x 17 inches in the front and 4.50 x 17 in the back. Pirelli supplies the Diablo Rosso IV tires, 120/70 in the front and 160/17 in the rear.
Wheelbase is 52 inches, ground clearance is 7.5 inches, and rake and trail is 26 degrees and 152mm.
Riding Impressions
The keyless fob sits in a small compartment on the “tank” section, so once it is there, it’s a matter of pushing the power button and waiting for the machine to cycle up. Then, twist the throttle and go. There’s no clutch, no shifting. In Sport mode, acceleration is brisk; in Eco mode, it starts briskly then starts to slow. In Sport mode, it was very easy to cruise on major streets along with (and occasionally ahead of) traffic. And I quickly adapted to clutchless, shiftless riding. The grind of stop-and-go between traffic lights and stop signs is way less annoying. In its element, the Anthem performs.
Up to 60 mph or so, the bike is stable, with the weight carried very low. Steering is light, if not as precise as a sportbike, likely due to the rake, but once it was on its side, the bike carved an easy, predictable arc through a corner. Suspension is a bit rudimentary at the rear, but the front easily soaked up anything the streets of Long Beach threw at it–and having lived there for years, I can attest that those streets can be a challenge. I loved the feel of the front brake lever–it’s remarkable how direct and solid a single brake line feels.
I did approximately 20 miles on the bike, including some behavior that should destroy battery range, like doing multiple full-throttle runs uphill for photo purposes. The battery capacity started at 86 percent and was in the mid-50s when I was done. It seems as though the Anthem should be able to meet the company’s estimated range of 75 miles in urban, stop-and-go usage.
Ryvid CEO Dong Tran says the Anthem is designed to fill a gap in the electric motorcycle world. It is designed to be simple, easy to use, and it doesn’t have the sophistication of more powerful electric bikes on the market. On the other hand, it costs thousands less than most other full-size electric motorcycles. It is built in California, comes with a lifetime warranty, and acts and feels like a full-size motorcycle.
And it delivers 100 percent of the best of the electric motorcycle experience–the smoothness and the quiet. Rolling down Ocean Boulevard on a sunny October afternoon, the bike dead quiet, the sun’s warmth penetrating my jacket and the breeze flowing through my open visor, I was thinking, you know, I could get used to this …
American Nathan Gouker finished fifth overall in the FIM MiniGP World Series 160cc Championship via a sixth-place finish in Race One, a fifth-place finish in Race Two, and a fourth-place finish in the Super Finale.
Nathan Gouker (47). Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Americans Ryder Davis and Joshua Raymond placed fourth and 13th, respectively, overall in the FIM MiniGP World Series 190cc Championship. Davis got sixth in Race One, seventh in Race Two, and seventh in the Super Finale. Raymond took 12th in Race One, 11th in Race Two, and 10th in the Super Finale.
Ryder Davis (75). Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Joshua Raymond (76). Photo by Kohei Hirota.
FIM MiniGP World Final: Malaysia and Spain take 2023 spoils
Qabil Irfan and Alvaro Lucas are crowned the 160cc and 190cc Champions at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo
Thursday, 23 November 2023
After a fantastic day of racing at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, two new names have etched their name into the FIM MiniGP World Series Champions book – Malaysia’s Qabil Irfan in the 160cc class and Spain’s Alvaro Lucas in the new 190cc class.
Having stuck in on pole position on Wednesday, Irfan was the rider to beat heading into Thursday’s races – and that’s exactly how it played out. Leading from start to finish, Irfan picked up Race 1 victory but Zaragoza made it hard work for the Malaysian as the duo crossed the finish line 0.1s apart. Starting from P8, Togashi produced a fine comeback ride to pick up a podium in P3.
Qabil Irfan (35) leading a 160cc race Thursday in Valencia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
After being penalised for a technical infringement in qualifying, polesitter Lucas started Race 1 and 2 from P12. In the opening 190cc race of the day, early leader Izan Rodriguez crashed as compatriot Lucas carved his way through the field to take a memorable win. Italy’s Lorenzo Pritelli was just 0.1s away from a win in P2 with Ben Wiegner of MiniGP Austria completing the podium.
Alvaro Lucas (72) leading 190cc Race One Thursday in Valencia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Less than a second split the top four across the line in the second 160cc race of the day but taking the flag first again was Irfan. Togashi again impressed to claim P2 as British rider Ethan Sparks picked up a hard-earned podium in third.
After crashing in Race 1, Rodriguez bounced back in style to claim an important win in Race 2. Pritelli made it back-to-back second place finishes and was only 0.5s adrift from the winner as Edoardo Savino made it two Italians on the rostrum ahead of the Super Final.
Irfan, starting from pole, knew that a P1 or P2 finish would hand him the 2023 160cc crown. Another pitch-perfect ride to victory unfolded as the #35 fended off the competition to win by 1.2s – a Thursday clean sweep! Togashi battled his way to P2 to hand the Japanese star the runners-up spot in the Championship, and a P3 for Zaragoza made sure the Spaniard took home third place honours.
Qabil Irfan. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Having served his qualifying penalty, Lucas started from the front row in P2 sandwiched between polesitter Pritelli and the Italian’s teammate Savino. The race winner move came at Turn 1 as Lucas pinched P1 off the Italians with a clever switchback move, as drama unfolded behind. Pritelli crashed – and remounted – on Lap 1 while a few laps later, Rodriguez, 2022 160cc Champion Gabriel Vuono and Wiegner went down together at the final corner. In the end, Lucas dominated the Super Final to win his second race of the day and the title, as Savino and the recovering Pritelli picked up podiums – the latter ending the week as the 190cc runner-up, with Savino taking third overall.
Alvaro Lucas. Photo courtesy Dorna.
And with that, another FIM MiniGP World Series Final draws to a close. It was another brilliant few days in Valencia as we already look forward to next year’s event.
About the FIM MiniGP World Series
The FIM MiniGP World Series began in 2021 and is designed as the first step on the Road to MotoGP™. There are three types of competition in the FIM MiniGP World Series: FIM MiniGP National Cup, organised by or through one FMN (national federation); FIM MiniGP Regional Cup, organised by or through various FMNs; FIM MiniGP Continental Cup, organised by or through a CONU (continental union).
There are two classes Series can run: the 160cc class and the 190cc class. The latter debuted in 2023 for Series that have already run a 160cc competition. Riders are aged between 10 and 14 for the 160cc class and between 12 and 16 for the 190cc class. Each Series but must have a minimum of five events comprising 10 races and the top riders in each Series will then be invited to the World Final.
The FIM MiniGP World Final sees the top riders from each Series compete over two days in Valencia ahead of the MotoGP™ season finale. As part of the Road to MotoGP™, there are opportunities up for grabs for riders to move up and further their careers.
About the Road to MotoGP™
For more than two decades, Dorna Sports has invested in opening the doors to motorcycle racing, creating the Road to MotoGP™. Comprising initiatives all over the world providing millions of young riders the opportunity to excel, the Road to MotoGP™ is unrivalled in motorsport – opening doors, increasing access and racing towards global equality.
The FIM MiniGP World Series is the first step on the Road to MotoGP™, in collaboration with the FIM and motorcycle federations and unions around the world. It’s the first global initiative in motorsport aimed at creating grassroots equality.
The last KRT WorldSBK test session of the 2023 calendar year took place at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto between 22-23 November, with the 2024 rider line up of Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani lapping in sunny and dry weather conditions each day. Lowes was the fastest WorldSBK rider on show and Bassani fourth quickest.
This final test session before the winter break allowed the riders and team technical staff to work on possible 2024 season items and set-up ideas, in order to finalise the direction of technical development for the official Ninja ZX-10RR during the off-season.
These two days on track were also important because there will be new technical rules and regulations in 2024, covering several areas of potential machine and set-up enhancement.
Alex, who will enter his fifth year as a KRT rider in 2024, completed a total of 150 laps across four days, trying new material and settings while also making performance tests and a long run.
For Axel, about to take part in his fourth WorldSBK season, 2024 will be his first campaign as an official rider. He has adapted well to his new environment as he continues to concentrate on transitioning from one configuration of machine to another.
Alex’s best lap time of the test was a 1’38.762, which he set on the final day. Axel’s fastest was a 1’39.811, set on a full race set-up on day one, without using a soft ‘Q’ tyre.
Track action for the combined KRT squad will now cease until 2024, when a return to Jerez will take place between 24-25 January. A second Iberian test, at Portimao in Portugal, will be held between 29-30 January. The first race weekend of 2024 will be hosted at Phillip Island in Australia, between 23-25 February.
Alex Lowes in action at Jerez. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Alex Lowes, stated: “I am really happy with today. Honestly, I have had so much fun riding the bike. After a tough end to the year, with injuries and not being able to finish the year like I wanted, it has been so positive to have a good test here. Obviously the conditions in the winter in Jerez are good but I did my best ever lap around Jerez on race tyres, and quite a lot of fast laps. This was positive. We also tried a lot of new parts, which was thanks to all the guys and Kawasaki for bringing new stuff to try. The target for January is to put all the pieces together to find the best package for next year. This was a really, really positive test.”
Axel Bassani testing at Jerez. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Axel Bassani, stated: “We have just finished two days of testing and we tried a lot of things. We didn’t use an SCQ tyre, so we focused on the set-up of the bike and different things. I am happy and we finished in a good way. We understood a good direction to go during the winter break. Test-by-test I started to feel really good with the bike. It is not easy because it is completely different compared to my previous one, but now I am starting to feel good. I am also happy with the team and the work we did. Now we have some time to rest and then start to think about next year.”
Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, stated: “We had two very interesting days. We have all enjoyed working together; Alex, the guys in the team and myself. We have been able to try many things with the bike for next year. I have also studied the way Alex is riding the bike; his needs and preferences. We still need time and this is something we have to build step-by-step, but we confirmed different items. I am very happy with the feedback from Alex. In terms of different test items he was very positive. He has given us very accurate information, which is good. We have had two days on track with very good speed. His times have been his fastest ever in Jerez, not only in lap time but also in consistency. I think Alex is enjoying it and he made 75 laps each day. And even a long run. We were using soft tyres and standard tyres at this test. I think Alex is starting to know us. It seems like we are building and creating a good package and it is an enjoyable moment for us all together.”
Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief for Axel Bassani, stated: “At this moment we are still building. We know what Axel has done in recent years and at this test he felt more and more comfortable on the bike. On the first day we wanted to make the bike a bit more suitable for him and of course he wanted to get a bit more ‘close’ to the bike. On the second day we went into testing mode and the full day was committed to test items. Axel set his best lap time in full race trim and he did not use any ‘Q’ tyres. For sure it will take a bit more time find the correct set-up between the bike and rider. But in January and February we will have more test days to get ourselves ready for the first round at Phillip Island. We ticked all the items off that we planned to use at this test, and it was very positive overall. Axel is very professional and he is really committed to improving the bike and himself to get ready for Phillip Island. We are all impressed by the way he is working. Axel and everybody is entering the winter break with a big smile on our faces.”
More, from a press release issued by Team HRC:
Team HRC begins its winter testing with two very positive days on Spanish soil
Team HRC and factory riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge have officially kickstarted their winter test programme with a two-day session at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain.
On track on Wednesday and Thursday, the squad set about preparing for the 2024 Superbike World Championship season and supporting the two riders as they adapt to the 2024 version of the CBR1000RR-R. The team was able to exploit the largely dry conditions, maximising its track time to give Vierge and Lecuona the chance to build confidence with their machines. Both the riders and technicians began working with both the old and new bikes, drawing comparisons and making adjustments accordingly, before fully focusing on the 2024 machine.
At the end of two highly productive test days, both riders feel optimistic about the 2024 version of the FIREBLADE, which includes a series of engine, chassis, and suspension updates that aim to bring benefits particularly in terms of acceleration and grip. With the support of additional engineers from Japan and HRC test rider Tatsuta Nagashima, the team was able to complete much of its scheduled work over the course of the two-day session and is generally satisfied with the results.
Next up for Lecuona and Vierge is a trip to Indonesia, for an event with MOTUL and the factory HRC MXGP riders on 29 November, while the next WorldSBK test will see Team HRC on track at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal on Monday 4 December.
Iker Lecuona (7). Photo courtesy Team HRC.
Iker Lecuona 7
“I’m really happy with the test and surprised with the step they’ve made with the new bike in Japan. Generally, in terms of the electronics, engine and chassis, the feeling with the bike is very different, by which I mean better. There are still areas where we’re struggling a little of course, and others where we need more understanding, but all in all I’m very happy for now. I realized that I also need to alter my riding style a little to adapt to the different feeling but, even with that, it was amazing to see that we could set some very good lap times and that tyre wear was less of a problem compared to the past. There is a lot we need to discover and understand, also because the conditions changed significantly over the last two days, with yesterday so much windier than today, which meant that we had to adjust the balance of the bike between the two sessions. I also felt a bit tired today, after a lot of travel and two very busy race weekends. So, we have a lot to reassess during the next test. Here our “new package” also included my new crew chief and we’ve made a good start there too, finding that we have in a lot in common both personally and professionally. We both like to be fully focused when it’s time to work and then share a joke after we wrap up for the day. So far, so good, and now let’s see if we can confirm these positive sensations during the December test at Portimão, a track that is very different to Jerez.”
Xavi Verge (97). Photo courtesy Team HRC.
Xavi Vierge 97
“We’re pleased as we’ve enjoyed two really constructive days of testing and been able to complete many laps in dry weather. Initially we worked to adapt to the new bike and tried not to make too many changes, starting with the base set-up that the technicians and Tetsuta had prepared for us in Japan. And my first impressions are very good. We carried out some comparisons between the 2023 and 2024 bikes and I immediately felt that the new bike has its strengths. It took a little time to adapt of course, after two years on the previous bike, but we’re already a little faster with the new bike. It looks similar to the previous version but, like I said, there are actually many changes and positive points. With the last year’s bike we felt we had arrived to the limit, while with this one we have a lot of room for improvement. It has more traction and drive, we’re just not yet able to fully exploit those strong points. But this was just an initial test in which to build confidence. Now the team will analyse the data so that we’re ready for the next test day at Portimão in December. I want to thank everyone on the team, HRC and Tetsuta (Nagashima) for all their hard work.”
More, from a press release issued by PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team:
Constructive first winter test for Mackenzie and Norrodin at Jerez
On track with rookie World Superbike riders Tarran Mackenzie and Adam Norrodin on both Wednesday and Thursday, the team had a lot of work to get through as it starts preparing for the 2024 Superbike World Championship. Conditions fortunately remained dry, although Wednesday in particular was very windy. Tarran and Adam represented the team in the Supersport category in 2023, and so considering that this was their first official test aboard the CBR1000RR-R Superbike, the riders initially worked with their technicians to define the best riding position before turning their attention to general set-up.
On Thursday, Mackenzie and Norrodin continued to build confidence with their machines. Having been unable to compete in the final races of the 2023 season after injuring his right shoulder in a crash during warm-up at Magny-Cours, Adam continues to recover his strength and mobility, but was nevertheless keen to participate in these tests and begin the important work ahead of the new season. Both he and Tarran were able to collate valuable data and provide precious feedback to their respective teams over the course of the two days.
Generally satisfied with the progress made in Spain this week, the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team will confirm the dates of its next winter test in due course.
Tarran Mackenzie. Photo courtesy PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team.
Tarran Mackenzie
“Compared to my last test, the general feeling has been quite similar, though conditions have been a little colder and windier this week. We’ve made changes throughout the sessions, and I feel we’ve made quite good progress from start to finish. The goal was to complete as many laps as possible, collect data, and better understand the bike, and we’ve done that. We were riding the 2023 bike this week but will hopefully have an updated version for the next test in January, so that will be interesting and should change some things. But in the meantime, it’s been useful to ride the Superbike, also with traction control which I’d only used at the Suzuka 8 Hours. So, I still have a lot to learn but am happy with what we’ve done here. On 27 November I’ll get some screws removed from my femur as I’ve been a little uncomfortable. It’s only a small procedure, so I’ll be able get back to training already after one week. In the meantime, I want to say a big thank you to the team for deciding to do this test, as it’s been particularly valuable for me as a rookie.”
Adam Norrodin. Photo courtesy PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team.
Adam Norrodin
“Unfortunately, I am still not 100% fit and so I wasn’t totally comfortable with my shoulder while riding. The target for the test was to build feeling with the bike, which we did, but my physical condition limited how many laps we could complete as I have little power in my arm and get fatigued after only a short run. I’m continuing with physio and rehab, but it’s going to be a long process, so now I want to visit my doctors back in Malaysia to see what else we can do to speed up the recovery process. A big thank you to the team anyway, as they’ve worked really hard this week. My focus over the next weeks is my physical recovery – I want to do all I can to better prepared for our next test in January.”
WorldSBK – The PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team promotes Mackenzie and Norrodin to the WorldSBK team for the 2024 season
The PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team is pleased to announce that it has come to an agreement with riders Tarran Mackenzie and Adam Norrodin for the 2024 racing season. Having admirably represented the team in the Supersport class during the 2023 season, both Mackenzie and Norrodin will move up together, as team-mates, to represent the same squad in the WorldSBK category.
25-year old Adam Norrodin was born in Johor, Malaysia on 13 June 1998 and was competing in the Asia Superbike 1000 series prior to his move to World Supersport in 2023. He too has developed and grown with the team throughout the current season, working hard to assist the squad as it continues to develop its Supersport project. His best result was a fifth-place finish in the same Czech race that saw his team-mate score an historic win. With his positivity and professionalism, the young rider has proved a welcome addition to the line-up, the team confident that he is now ready to take the step up to the Superbike class for the 2024 season.
Tarran Mackenzie (left) and Adam Norrodin (right). Photo courtesy PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team.
Born on 29 October 1995 in Stirling, Scotland, Tarran Mackenzie was crowned British Superbike champion in 2021. Having made the move to WorldSSP with the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team at the start of the 2023 season, the Brit immediately made an impression, crossing the line fifth on his debut World Supersport appearance at the Philip Island season-opener. But the undisputed highlight of his 2023 season was undoubtedly the stunning race win he achieved in a complex Race 2 at Most, a fantastic result that went a long way to repaying the hard work and commitment the rider showed all season. No less impressive was his performance in the Suzuka 8 Hours in August of this year. Together with team-mates Mike di Meglio and Alan Techer, the 28-year old powered the Honda all the way to the podium, completing the challenging endurance race in third position.
In reaching an agreement with Mackenzie and Norrodin, the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team renews its commitment to the production-derived series. With the 2023 action almost at an end, the squad will immediately turn its attention to the upcoming season, putting together a work plan for the off-season that will support the two new riders as they take on this next challenge.
Adam Norrodin
“First of all, I want to say a big thank you to Midori Moriwaki, to PETRONAS and to Honda. It’s a big decision to jump to World Superbike but it’s a great opportunity for me and something I’ve wanted for a long time. We know that the championship will be even more competitive next season and so it will be a big challenge, but I also know that I’ll be able to learn and develop so much by taking part. To represent PETRONAS and my country, Malaysia, is a real honour, and I’m truly grateful for this chance. I’ll now focus on training harder than ever to prepare for what I know will be a tough but very stimulating year. I’m very happy and excited for the future.”
Tarran Mackenzie
“I’m very happy to step up to World Superbike, as it’s been a dream of mine for a long time. I’ve got a lot of experience in the British Superbike championship, albeit with a different manufacturer, and it’s been good to test the MIE Superbike already this year at Misano and Jerez. I also completed two tests with HRC at Suzuka to better understand the CBR 1000RR-R, and then doing the Suzuka race on another Honda was also very important of course. So, it’s good to have already had a taste of the Honda Superbike and it’s great that the agreement for next season is now in place. I’m really looking forward to this new challenge and thank both PETRONAS and the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team.”
Midori Moriwaki – Team Owner
“I’m very happy to be able to announce that both Adam Norrodin and Tarran Mackenzie will remain part of the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team family and will step up to the WorldSBK category, in line with our project to help young riders develop on the international racing stage. Two very fast and talented young riders, they are committed to the task and ready to fight on every occasion. They have already demonstrated this in WorldSSP, with Tarran scoring the team its first win and Adam always battling hard to achieve the strongest possible results, with a best of P5, in what is a very competitive championship. They will undoubtedly provide a boost to our SBK project.”
Pedro Acosta set the fastest time during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. Red Bull KTM Ajo’s newly crowned World Champion rode the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:33.768, eclipsing the new All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.024 he set hours earlier in the day.
American Joe Roberts improved his standing from 21st in FP1 to eighth in FP2 with a lap of 1:34.243 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex.
Roberts’ countryman Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) finished the session 32nd out of 32 riders with a time of 1:36.237, which was faster than the 1:36.576 he did in FP1.
Daniel Holgado (96). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Tech3.
Daniel Holgado topped Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. The Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider navigated the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:38.706 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Johann Zarco led MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. Riding his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati, the Frenchman lapped the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:30.191 to lead the field of 22 riders.
Qatar race winner Fabio Di Giannantonio was second-best on his Gresini Racing Ducati with a time of 1:30.378, and Zarco’s teammate Jorge Martin was third-quickest with a lap at 1:30.450.
Defending World Champion and current Championship point leader Francesco Bagnaia finished FP1 13th with a 1:30.969 on his Lenovo Ducati
Just 1.061 seconds separated the top 16 riders in FP1, and the entire field was covered by only 1.8 seconds.
Pedro Acosta led Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex, the newly crowned World Champion lapped the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:34,024. Not only was that fast enough to lead the 32-rider field, but it broke Alonso Lopez’ 2022 All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.314.
Americans Joe Roberts (1:35.293) and Sean Dylan Kelly (1:36.576) finished the session 21st and 31st, respectively.
Daniel Holgado (96). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Tech3.
Daniel Holgado was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. The Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider covered the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:38.919 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Krishnan Ramaswamy, Royal Enfield President and Business Head, Americas Region, outside the company's new tech training center, located in Bedford, Texas.
Featured In the November 2023 issue of Roadracing World:
Royal Enfield is enjoying a surge in sales. In fiscal year 2022-2023, the company sold more motorcycles than ever before, topping the 835,000 unit mark worldwide. To put that into perspective, according to Statista.com, in 2021 there were 550,000 new motorcycles of all brands (combined) sold in the U.S.
Royal Enfield’s largest market is in its home country, India, but more than 100,000 of those 835,000 motorcycles sold in 2022-23 were sold outside of India. The Americas are the company’s fastest-growing region, and the company itself is expanding. There are now more than 3,200 dealerships worldwide and three manufacturing facilities.
The point is, the company’s need for trained technicians at its dealerships is growing, and Royal Enfield is responding…
“Shops: Royal Enfield Tech Training Center,” by Michael Gougis
Central location, close to the company’s main import harbor, and avoiding the winters of the Midwest—that’s why Royal Enfield’s new tech training center is located just outside of Dallas, Texas. Take a look at how the company makes sure its motorcycles stay on the road, providing customers with miles of smiles—it’s all in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
The Ryvid Anthem is a new, full-size electric motorcycle manufactured in California. Photo by Michael Gougis.
RYVID ANTHEM: FILLING A GAP IN THE ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE LANDSCAPE
By Michael Gougis
In a year of interesting and unique new motorcycles, the Ryvid Anthem may be one of the more significant machines available. The full-electric, full-size motorcycle is less expensive than other electric machines, has a greater range than an e-bike, and is designed to be easy to ride for those moving from powered bicycles onto motorcycles.
In other words, the Anthem may be a platform that brings new riders into the sport.
Roadracing World took the Anthem on a spin through the streets of Long Beach, California and its surrounding neighborhoods. What we found was a refined city motorcycle, easy to ride, comfortable and quick enough for urban use, with design features that make sense and functionality enough to make commuting to work on one a viable proposition.
Tech Briefing
What would a motorcycle look like if it was designed around the mission of being easy to build, easy to ride for newcomers, easy to configure, easy to maintain and use? The Ryvid Anthem starts to answer those questions.
For ease of construction, the Anthem is based on a pressed-steel backbone frame that requires no welding. Power comes from a 72-volt, air-cooled brushless direct current motor that forms the front of the swingarm. The motor is rated at 10 horsepower and peaks at 20 horsepower and 53 lbs.-ft. of torque. It drives a carbon belt with a 4.7:1 ratio to the rear wheel.
The 4.3 kWh lithium-ion battery holds 84 volts when fully charged, and the pack is mounted low on the frame. Two latches hold it in place, and one of the key features of the Anthem is that the battery can be removed quickly and easily. Undo the latches, disconnect three cables, and rotate the battery off of its support pins. It drops onto a set of wheels and a handle extends upward, allowing the battery pack to be pulled along like an airline carry-on bag. A commuter can park, detach the battery and wheel it into their place of work, where it can be recharged from zero to 100 percent before lunch.
The company says the Anthem can reach a maximum speed of 75 mph and has a maximum range of 75 miles.
The Anthem comes with two power modes, Sport and Eco. In Sport mode, battery regeneration is engaged with a switch on the left handlebar. In Eco mode, regeneration during slowing is automatic. In both modes, regeneration starts to occur once the brakes are applied.
Road-ready weight for the Anthem is 313 pounds. One of the unique features of the machine is the electrically adjustable seat–press a button, and the seat can be raised or lowered between 30 and 34 inches high. A four-piston caliper is mated to a single 320mm brake disc on the front wheel, while a twin-piston caliper grips a 220mm disc at the rear. Suspension features inverted forks adjustable for rebound and compression damping with 3.9 inches of travel and a single shock with damping and preload adjustability and 1.3 inches of travel.
The Anthem rolls on cast-aluminum five-spoke rims, 3.50 x 17 inches in the front and 4.50 x 17 in the back. Pirelli supplies the Diablo Rosso IV tires, 120/70 in the front and 160/17 in the rear.
Wheelbase is 52 inches, ground clearance is 7.5 inches, and rake and trail is 26 degrees and 152mm.
Riding Impressions
The keyless fob sits in a small compartment on the “tank” section, so once it is there, it’s a matter of pushing the power button and waiting for the machine to cycle up. Then, twist the throttle and go. There’s no clutch, no shifting. In Sport mode, acceleration is brisk; in Eco mode, it starts briskly then starts to slow. In Sport mode, it was very easy to cruise on major streets along with (and occasionally ahead of) traffic. And I quickly adapted to clutchless, shiftless riding. The grind of stop-and-go between traffic lights and stop signs is way less annoying. In its element, the Anthem performs.
Up to 60 mph or so, the bike is stable, with the weight carried very low. Steering is light, if not as precise as a sportbike, likely due to the rake, but once it was on its side, the bike carved an easy, predictable arc through a corner. Suspension is a bit rudimentary at the rear, but the front easily soaked up anything the streets of Long Beach threw at it–and having lived there for years, I can attest that those streets can be a challenge. I loved the feel of the front brake lever–it’s remarkable how direct and solid a single brake line feels.
I did approximately 20 miles on the bike, including some behavior that should destroy battery range, like doing multiple full-throttle runs uphill for photo purposes. The battery capacity started at 86 percent and was in the mid-50s when I was done. It seems as though the Anthem should be able to meet the company’s estimated range of 75 miles in urban, stop-and-go usage.
Ryvid CEO Dong Tran says the Anthem is designed to fill a gap in the electric motorcycle world. It is designed to be simple, easy to use, and it doesn’t have the sophistication of more powerful electric bikes on the market. On the other hand, it costs thousands less than most other full-size electric motorcycles. It is built in California, comes with a lifetime warranty, and acts and feels like a full-size motorcycle.
And it delivers 100 percent of the best of the electric motorcycle experience–the smoothness and the quiet. Rolling down Ocean Boulevard on a sunny October afternoon, the bike dead quiet, the sun’s warmth penetrating my jacket and the breeze flowing through my open visor, I was thinking, you know, I could get used to this …
The start of 2023 FIM MiniGP World Series Finale 190cc Race One with Lorenzo Pritelli (67) leading the field. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Editorial Notes:
American Nathan Gouker finished fifth overall in the FIM MiniGP World Series 160cc Championship via a sixth-place finish in Race One, a fifth-place finish in Race Two, and a fourth-place finish in the Super Finale.
Nathan Gouker (47). Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Americans Ryder Davis and Joshua Raymond placed fourth and 13th, respectively, overall in the FIM MiniGP World Series 190cc Championship. Davis got sixth in Race One, seventh in Race Two, and seventh in the Super Finale. Raymond took 12th in Race One, 11th in Race Two, and 10th in the Super Finale.
Ryder Davis (75). Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Joshua Raymond (76). Photo by Kohei Hirota.
FIM MiniGP World Final: Malaysia and Spain take 2023 spoils
Qabil Irfan and Alvaro Lucas are crowned the 160cc and 190cc Champions at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo
Thursday, 23 November 2023
After a fantastic day of racing at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, two new names have etched their name into the FIM MiniGP World Series Champions book – Malaysia’s Qabil Irfan in the 160cc class and Spain’s Alvaro Lucas in the new 190cc class.
Having stuck in on pole position on Wednesday, Irfan was the rider to beat heading into Thursday’s races – and that’s exactly how it played out. Leading from start to finish, Irfan picked up Race 1 victory but Zaragoza made it hard work for the Malaysian as the duo crossed the finish line 0.1s apart. Starting from P8, Togashi produced a fine comeback ride to pick up a podium in P3.
Qabil Irfan (35) leading a 160cc race Thursday in Valencia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
After being penalised for a technical infringement in qualifying, polesitter Lucas started Race 1 and 2 from P12. In the opening 190cc race of the day, early leader Izan Rodriguez crashed as compatriot Lucas carved his way through the field to take a memorable win. Italy’s Lorenzo Pritelli was just 0.1s away from a win in P2 with Ben Wiegner of MiniGP Austria completing the podium.
Alvaro Lucas (72) leading 190cc Race One Thursday in Valencia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Less than a second split the top four across the line in the second 160cc race of the day but taking the flag first again was Irfan. Togashi again impressed to claim P2 as British rider Ethan Sparks picked up a hard-earned podium in third.
After crashing in Race 1, Rodriguez bounced back in style to claim an important win in Race 2. Pritelli made it back-to-back second place finishes and was only 0.5s adrift from the winner as Edoardo Savino made it two Italians on the rostrum ahead of the Super Final.
Irfan, starting from pole, knew that a P1 or P2 finish would hand him the 2023 160cc crown. Another pitch-perfect ride to victory unfolded as the #35 fended off the competition to win by 1.2s – a Thursday clean sweep! Togashi battled his way to P2 to hand the Japanese star the runners-up spot in the Championship, and a P3 for Zaragoza made sure the Spaniard took home third place honours.
Qabil Irfan. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Having served his qualifying penalty, Lucas started from the front row in P2 sandwiched between polesitter Pritelli and the Italian’s teammate Savino. The race winner move came at Turn 1 as Lucas pinched P1 off the Italians with a clever switchback move, as drama unfolded behind. Pritelli crashed – and remounted – on Lap 1 while a few laps later, Rodriguez, 2022 160cc Champion Gabriel Vuono and Wiegner went down together at the final corner. In the end, Lucas dominated the Super Final to win his second race of the day and the title, as Savino and the recovering Pritelli picked up podiums – the latter ending the week as the 190cc runner-up, with Savino taking third overall.
Alvaro Lucas. Photo courtesy Dorna.
And with that, another FIM MiniGP World Series Final draws to a close. It was another brilliant few days in Valencia as we already look forward to next year’s event.
About the FIM MiniGP World Series
The FIM MiniGP World Series began in 2021 and is designed as the first step on the Road to MotoGP™. There are three types of competition in the FIM MiniGP World Series: FIM MiniGP National Cup, organised by or through one FMN (national federation); FIM MiniGP Regional Cup, organised by or through various FMNs; FIM MiniGP Continental Cup, organised by or through a CONU (continental union).
There are two classes Series can run: the 160cc class and the 190cc class. The latter debuted in 2023 for Series that have already run a 160cc competition. Riders are aged between 10 and 14 for the 160cc class and between 12 and 16 for the 190cc class. Each Series but must have a minimum of five events comprising 10 races and the top riders in each Series will then be invited to the World Final.
The FIM MiniGP World Final sees the top riders from each Series compete over two days in Valencia ahead of the MotoGP™ season finale. As part of the Road to MotoGP™, there are opportunities up for grabs for riders to move up and further their careers.
About the Road to MotoGP™
For more than two decades, Dorna Sports has invested in opening the doors to motorcycle racing, creating the Road to MotoGP™. Comprising initiatives all over the world providing millions of young riders the opportunity to excel, the Road to MotoGP™ is unrivalled in motorsport – opening doors, increasing access and racing towards global equality.
The FIM MiniGP World Series is the first step on the Road to MotoGP™, in collaboration with the FIM and motorcycle federations and unions around the world. It’s the first global initiative in motorsport aimed at creating grassroots equality.
Axel Bassani in action at Jerez. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Positive Final 2023 Test For KRT
The last KRT WorldSBK test session of the 2023 calendar year took place at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto between 22-23 November, with the 2024 rider line up of Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani lapping in sunny and dry weather conditions each day. Lowes was the fastest WorldSBK rider on show and Bassani fourth quickest.
This final test session before the winter break allowed the riders and team technical staff to work on possible 2024 season items and set-up ideas, in order to finalise the direction of technical development for the official Ninja ZX-10RR during the off-season.
These two days on track were also important because there will be new technical rules and regulations in 2024, covering several areas of potential machine and set-up enhancement.
Alex, who will enter his fifth year as a KRT rider in 2024, completed a total of 150 laps across four days, trying new material and settings while also making performance tests and a long run.
For Axel, about to take part in his fourth WorldSBK season, 2024 will be his first campaign as an official rider. He has adapted well to his new environment as he continues to concentrate on transitioning from one configuration of machine to another.
Alex’s best lap time of the test was a 1’38.762, which he set on the final day. Axel’s fastest was a 1’39.811, set on a full race set-up on day one, without using a soft ‘Q’ tyre.
Track action for the combined KRT squad will now cease until 2024, when a return to Jerez will take place between 24-25 January. A second Iberian test, at Portimao in Portugal, will be held between 29-30 January. The first race weekend of 2024 will be hosted at Phillip Island in Australia, between 23-25 February.
Alex Lowes in action at Jerez. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Alex Lowes, stated: “I am really happy with today. Honestly, I have had so much fun riding the bike. After a tough end to the year, with injuries and not being able to finish the year like I wanted, it has been so positive to have a good test here. Obviously the conditions in the winter in Jerez are good but I did my best ever lap around Jerez on race tyres, and quite a lot of fast laps. This was positive. We also tried a lot of new parts, which was thanks to all the guys and Kawasaki for bringing new stuff to try. The target for January is to put all the pieces together to find the best package for next year. This was a really, really positive test.”
Axel Bassani testing at Jerez. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Axel Bassani, stated: “We have just finished two days of testing and we tried a lot of things. We didn’t use an SCQ tyre, so we focused on the set-up of the bike and different things. I am happy and we finished in a good way. We understood a good direction to go during the winter break. Test-by-test I started to feel really good with the bike. It is not easy because it is completely different compared to my previous one, but now I am starting to feel good. I am also happy with the team and the work we did. Now we have some time to rest and then start to think about next year.”
Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, stated: “We had two very interesting days. We have all enjoyed working together; Alex, the guys in the team and myself. We have been able to try many things with the bike for next year. I have also studied the way Alex is riding the bike; his needs and preferences. We still need time and this is something we have to build step-by-step, but we confirmed different items. I am very happy with the feedback from Alex. In terms of different test items he was very positive. He has given us very accurate information, which is good. We have had two days on track with very good speed. His times have been his fastest ever in Jerez, not only in lap time but also in consistency. I think Alex is enjoying it and he made 75 laps each day. And even a long run. We were using soft tyres and standard tyres at this test. I think Alex is starting to know us. It seems like we are building and creating a good package and it is an enjoyable moment for us all together.”
Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief for Axel Bassani, stated: “At this moment we are still building. We know what Axel has done in recent years and at this test he felt more and more comfortable on the bike. On the first day we wanted to make the bike a bit more suitable for him and of course he wanted to get a bit more ‘close’ to the bike. On the second day we went into testing mode and the full day was committed to test items. Axel set his best lap time in full race trim and he did not use any ‘Q’ tyres. For sure it will take a bit more time find the correct set-up between the bike and rider. But in January and February we will have more test days to get ourselves ready for the first round at Phillip Island. We ticked all the items off that we planned to use at this test, and it was very positive overall. Axel is very professional and he is really committed to improving the bike and himself to get ready for Phillip Island. We are all impressed by the way he is working. Axel and everybody is entering the winter break with a big smile on our faces.”
More, from a press release issued by Team HRC:
Team HRC begins its winter testing with two very positive days on Spanish soil
Team HRC and factory riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge have officially kickstarted their winter test programme with a two-day session at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain.
On track on Wednesday and Thursday, the squad set about preparing for the 2024 Superbike World Championship season and supporting the two riders as they adapt to the 2024 version of the CBR1000RR-R. The team was able to exploit the largely dry conditions, maximising its track time to give Vierge and Lecuona the chance to build confidence with their machines. Both the riders and technicians began working with both the old and new bikes, drawing comparisons and making adjustments accordingly, before fully focusing on the 2024 machine.
At the end of two highly productive test days, both riders feel optimistic about the 2024 version of the FIREBLADE, which includes a series of engine, chassis, and suspension updates that aim to bring benefits particularly in terms of acceleration and grip. With the support of additional engineers from Japan and HRC test rider Tatsuta Nagashima, the team was able to complete much of its scheduled work over the course of the two-day session and is generally satisfied with the results.
Next up for Lecuona and Vierge is a trip to Indonesia, for an event with MOTUL and the factory HRC MXGP riders on 29 November, while the next WorldSBK test will see Team HRC on track at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal on Monday 4 December.
Iker Lecuona (7). Photo courtesy Team HRC.
Iker Lecuona 7
“I’m really happy with the test and surprised with the step they’ve made with the new bike in Japan. Generally, in terms of the electronics, engine and chassis, the feeling with the bike is very different, by which I mean better. There are still areas where we’re struggling a little of course, and others where we need more understanding, but all in all I’m very happy for now. I realized that I also need to alter my riding style a little to adapt to the different feeling but, even with that, it was amazing to see that we could set some very good lap times and that tyre wear was less of a problem compared to the past. There is a lot we need to discover and understand, also because the conditions changed significantly over the last two days, with yesterday so much windier than today, which meant that we had to adjust the balance of the bike between the two sessions. I also felt a bit tired today, after a lot of travel and two very busy race weekends. So, we have a lot to reassess during the next test. Here our “new package” also included my new crew chief and we’ve made a good start there too, finding that we have in a lot in common both personally and professionally. We both like to be fully focused when it’s time to work and then share a joke after we wrap up for the day. So far, so good, and now let’s see if we can confirm these positive sensations during the December test at Portimão, a track that is very different to Jerez.”
Xavi Verge (97). Photo courtesy Team HRC.
Xavi Vierge 97
“We’re pleased as we’ve enjoyed two really constructive days of testing and been able to complete many laps in dry weather. Initially we worked to adapt to the new bike and tried not to make too many changes, starting with the base set-up that the technicians and Tetsuta had prepared for us in Japan. And my first impressions are very good. We carried out some comparisons between the 2023 and 2024 bikes and I immediately felt that the new bike has its strengths. It took a little time to adapt of course, after two years on the previous bike, but we’re already a little faster with the new bike. It looks similar to the previous version but, like I said, there are actually many changes and positive points. With the last year’s bike we felt we had arrived to the limit, while with this one we have a lot of room for improvement. It has more traction and drive, we’re just not yet able to fully exploit those strong points. But this was just an initial test in which to build confidence. Now the team will analyse the data so that we’re ready for the next test day at Portimão in December. I want to thank everyone on the team, HRC and Tetsuta (Nagashima) for all their hard work.”
More, from a press release issued by PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team:
Constructive first winter test for Mackenzie and Norrodin at Jerez
On track with rookie World Superbike riders Tarran Mackenzie and Adam Norrodin on both Wednesday and Thursday, the team had a lot of work to get through as it starts preparing for the 2024 Superbike World Championship. Conditions fortunately remained dry, although Wednesday in particular was very windy. Tarran and Adam represented the team in the Supersport category in 2023, and so considering that this was their first official test aboard the CBR1000RR-R Superbike, the riders initially worked with their technicians to define the best riding position before turning their attention to general set-up.
On Thursday, Mackenzie and Norrodin continued to build confidence with their machines. Having been unable to compete in the final races of the 2023 season after injuring his right shoulder in a crash during warm-up at Magny-Cours, Adam continues to recover his strength and mobility, but was nevertheless keen to participate in these tests and begin the important work ahead of the new season. Both he and Tarran were able to collate valuable data and provide precious feedback to their respective teams over the course of the two days.
Generally satisfied with the progress made in Spain this week, the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team will confirm the dates of its next winter test in due course.
Tarran Mackenzie. Photo courtesy PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team.
Tarran Mackenzie
“Compared to my last test, the general feeling has been quite similar, though conditions have been a little colder and windier this week. We’ve made changes throughout the sessions, and I feel we’ve made quite good progress from start to finish. The goal was to complete as many laps as possible, collect data, and better understand the bike, and we’ve done that. We were riding the 2023 bike this week but will hopefully have an updated version for the next test in January, so that will be interesting and should change some things. But in the meantime, it’s been useful to ride the Superbike, also with traction control which I’d only used at the Suzuka 8 Hours. So, I still have a lot to learn but am happy with what we’ve done here. On 27 November I’ll get some screws removed from my femur as I’ve been a little uncomfortable. It’s only a small procedure, so I’ll be able get back to training already after one week. In the meantime, I want to say a big thank you to the team for deciding to do this test, as it’s been particularly valuable for me as a rookie.”
Adam Norrodin. Photo courtesy PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team.
Adam Norrodin
“Unfortunately, I am still not 100% fit and so I wasn’t totally comfortable with my shoulder while riding. The target for the test was to build feeling with the bike, which we did, but my physical condition limited how many laps we could complete as I have little power in my arm and get fatigued after only a short run. I’m continuing with physio and rehab, but it’s going to be a long process, so now I want to visit my doctors back in Malaysia to see what else we can do to speed up the recovery process. A big thank you to the team anyway, as they’ve worked really hard this week. My focus over the next weeks is my physical recovery – I want to do all I can to better prepared for our next test in January.”
WorldSBK – The PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team promotes Mackenzie and Norrodin to the WorldSBK team for the 2024 season
The PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team is pleased to announce that it has come to an agreement with riders Tarran Mackenzie and Adam Norrodin for the 2024 racing season. Having admirably represented the team in the Supersport class during the 2023 season, both Mackenzie and Norrodin will move up together, as team-mates, to represent the same squad in the WorldSBK category.
25-year old Adam Norrodin was born in Johor, Malaysia on 13 June 1998 and was competing in the Asia Superbike 1000 series prior to his move to World Supersport in 2023. He too has developed and grown with the team throughout the current season, working hard to assist the squad as it continues to develop its Supersport project. His best result was a fifth-place finish in the same Czech race that saw his team-mate score an historic win. With his positivity and professionalism, the young rider has proved a welcome addition to the line-up, the team confident that he is now ready to take the step up to the Superbike class for the 2024 season.
Tarran Mackenzie (left) and Adam Norrodin (right). Photo courtesy PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team.
Born on 29 October 1995 in Stirling, Scotland, Tarran Mackenzie was crowned British Superbike champion in 2021. Having made the move to WorldSSP with the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team at the start of the 2023 season, the Brit immediately made an impression, crossing the line fifth on his debut World Supersport appearance at the Philip Island season-opener. But the undisputed highlight of his 2023 season was undoubtedly the stunning race win he achieved in a complex Race 2 at Most, a fantastic result that went a long way to repaying the hard work and commitment the rider showed all season. No less impressive was his performance in the Suzuka 8 Hours in August of this year. Together with team-mates Mike di Meglio and Alan Techer, the 28-year old powered the Honda all the way to the podium, completing the challenging endurance race in third position.
In reaching an agreement with Mackenzie and Norrodin, the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team renews its commitment to the production-derived series. With the 2023 action almost at an end, the squad will immediately turn its attention to the upcoming season, putting together a work plan for the off-season that will support the two new riders as they take on this next challenge.
Adam Norrodin
“First of all, I want to say a big thank you to Midori Moriwaki, to PETRONAS and to Honda. It’s a big decision to jump to World Superbike but it’s a great opportunity for me and something I’ve wanted for a long time. We know that the championship will be even more competitive next season and so it will be a big challenge, but I also know that I’ll be able to learn and develop so much by taking part. To represent PETRONAS and my country, Malaysia, is a real honour, and I’m truly grateful for this chance. I’ll now focus on training harder than ever to prepare for what I know will be a tough but very stimulating year. I’m very happy and excited for the future.”
Tarran Mackenzie
“I’m very happy to step up to World Superbike, as it’s been a dream of mine for a long time. I’ve got a lot of experience in the British Superbike championship, albeit with a different manufacturer, and it’s been good to test the MIE Superbike already this year at Misano and Jerez. I also completed two tests with HRC at Suzuka to better understand the CBR 1000RR-R, and then doing the Suzuka race on another Honda was also very important of course. So, it’s good to have already had a taste of the Honda Superbike and it’s great that the agreement for next season is now in place. I’m really looking forward to this new challenge and thank both PETRONAS and the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team.”
Midori Moriwaki – Team Owner
“I’m very happy to be able to announce that both Adam Norrodin and Tarran Mackenzie will remain part of the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team family and will step up to the WorldSBK category, in line with our project to help young riders develop on the international racing stage. Two very fast and talented young riders, they are committed to the task and ready to fight on every occasion. They have already demonstrated this in WorldSSP, with Tarran scoring the team its first win and Adam always battling hard to achieve the strongest possible results, with a best of P5, in what is a very competitive championship. They will undoubtedly provide a boost to our SBK project.”
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Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
November 14, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
