WorldSBK Indonesia: Mackenzie ‘feeling positive but patient’

Petronas MIE MS Honda’s Tarran Mackenzie enjoyed a ‘positive’ debut at Mandalika on Friday despite a turn ten crash in WorldSSP’s FP2.

New to both the bike and track, the British champion improved his pace on the CBR600RR by four seconds across the opening day’s two free practice outings. His 1’39.371 sitting him 16th in the combined times after track temperatures rose to an intense 53°C in the afternoon.

“Today was a very positive day, the best I’ve felt on the bike so far in fact,” Mackenzie admitted from Indonesia. “It’s my first time at this track but I have to say I’m really enjoying it.

“We made a good step between FP1 and FP2 and both the feeling and setting is very positive. We still need to be patient and have work ahead of us of course, but I’m looking forward to making more laps tomorrow.”