The 2024 Superbike World Championship draws to an end this coming weekend for the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team.

Lining up with rider Tarran Mackenzie and Ivo Lopes, the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team will take on the final challenge of the 2024 WorldSBK season at Circuito de Jerez in Spain. Adam Norrodin, who has been out of action with a fractured toe, was hoping to be able to return for this final round but has unfortunately been deemed unfit to compete by circuit medical staff. The team has therefore called upon Ivo Lopes to step in and replace Norrodin at short notice for this last event of the 2024 season.

The closing round of the season follows directly on the penultimate round at Estoril Circuit, where the team’s line-up consisted of Mackenzie and Ivo Lopes. A round characterised by wet weather, Tarran did well to qualify eighth in Superpole, while Ivo scored points in both of the weekend’s long races. This weekend’s goal for Mackenzie and his technicians is to complete what has at times been a challenging year on a positive note.

Located in the Andalucia region of Spain, the track has been known as the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto since 2018, in honour of the late Spanish rider. It has been the stage for countless prestigious race events since its inauguration in 1995. WorldSBK has been a regular visitor to the track since 2013, though there was no Jerez round in 2022. The track currently measures 4.423 km and comprises thirteen corners.

Tarran Mackenzie

“I tested at Jerez twice with the previous Superbike at the end of last year, so at least I head into the weekend with some useful references. Many of the tracks we’ve been to this season I’ve visited before, but never on a Superbike, so that takes a little time on Friday to get up to speed; Estoril was a good example of that, also with the wet conditions complicating things. I like the Jerez track too and scored some points there in SSP last season, so I’m looking forward to the weekend. Whatever the weather, I want to end the season on a positive note.”

Adam Norrodin 

“I’m so disappointed not to be able to compete at this last round of the season. I’ve continued with my physiotherapy and had various medical check-ups over the last few weeks and was really hopeful I would be passed fit upon arriving at the track, but unfortunately the doctors have decided I cannot ride. I’m so sorry I’ve had to miss so many races and want to apologise to my team too, as this isn’t how we envisaged finishing the season. I can’t take to the track as I’d hoped but I of course want to thank the entire PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team and all the sponsors for all their hard work and support this year.”

Ivo Lopes

“I’m very happy to get this unexpected chance to race at Jerez and I want to thank the team once more for giving me the opportunity. The bike was feeling better at Estoril but it’s also true that it’s my home track and so understandably my favourite! Now we’ll see what we can do at Jerez, a track I know well. I’m looking forward to getting to work tomorrow and will do my best to achieve the best possible result for myself and for the team.” 

Track Information:

Country: Spain
Name: Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto
Length: 4.423 km
Pole position: right

Turns: 5 left, 8 right

SBK RECORDS: Best lap – Bautista (Ducati) 1’39.004 (2019). Superpole – Rea (Kawasaki) 1’38.247 (2019).

2023 SBK RESULTS: 

Race 1 – 1. Bautista (Ducati); 2. Razgatlioglu (Yamaha); 3. Locatelli (Yamaha)

Superpole race – 1. Bautista (Ducati); 2. Aegerter (Yamaha); 3. Rea (Kawasaki)

Race 2 – 1. Bautista (Ducati); 2. Razgatlioglu (Yamaha); 3. Aegerter (Yamaha)