Tarran Mackenzie Retained by MIE Honda for 2025 WorldSBK
Tarran Mackenzie has been retained for a second season by the MIE Petronas Honda team, although the second seat has changed
Former British Superbike champion Tarran Mackenzie will remain in WorldSBK this season after retaining his seat alongside new team-mate Zaqhwan Zaidi.
Mackenzie first linked up with MIE Petronas Honda in 2023 as part of the World Supersport project, before being elevated into the superbike team in 2024. Although there were flashes from the 2021 BSB champion, Mackenzie found it difficult to break into the points aboard a package that lacked competitiveness.
2024 was also a year where Mackenzie had to fight off injury midway through the campaign, but the British rider has been retained while ex-Moto3 rider, Adam Norridin, has been moved aside for the relatively unknown Zaidi.
Mackenzie said: “I had a tough season last year, for various reasons, but we had a positive test at Jerez after the final race where some upgrades helped me to feel more comfortable on the bike. So that was definitely a good way to head into the off-season.
“Further improvements have been made to the package since then, so hopefully I can be more competitive and closer to the guys in front. Our first test will see us back out at Jerez, so that will be relevant after our most recent test there.
“I feel strong in myself and have had a good off-season so I’m excited and motivated to get back to work and prepare for the start of the season.”
With MIE Petronas retaining two bikes, it means Honda will continue its four-rider WorldSBK programme, as Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge were also re-signed at the factory HRC team.
The 2025 WorldSBK season-opener will take place on the final weekend in February (21-23) at the legendary Phillip Island circuit.
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
