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The PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team officially launched its 2024 WorldSSP campaign at Australia’s iconic Phillip Island circuit. Riders Khairul Idham Pawi and Kaito Toba took to the track for the weekend’s only WorldSSP free practice session, facing challenging conditions and gearing up for a competitive season.
The free practice session, lasting 40 minutes, provided the team with valuable track time. Despite overcast skies, the rain held off, allowing both Toba and Pawi to complete a substantial number of laps. Unfortunately, the session ended with a red flag due to another rider’s technical problem just two minutes before its conclusion. Toba secured the twenty-third position, with Pawi closely following in at twenty-fourth.
Facing the Superpole format for the first time, Toba and Pawi aimed to set competitive times early on. The two would need to keep an eye on the unpredictable weather. Rainfall in all sectors within twenty minutes hindered further improvements, with Toba finishing twenty-second (1’34.051) and Pawi in twenty-fifth (1’34.688). These results position the duo on the eighth and ninth rows for the opening WorldSSP race, covering 18 laps with a mandatory mid-race tyre change.
Reflecting on his performance, Pawi acknowledged the challenges, particularly with the long gearing and strong winds affecting his confidence. He expressed optimism about potential changes in gearing and suspension to enhance his comfort for the upcoming race.
Toba, experiencing gradual improvement since the test sessions, emphasized the importance of continuous work. Although unsatisfied with the overall result, he aimed to close the gap to the front riders. With the first race of the season on the horizon, Toba expressed determination to enjoy the fast-paced challenge and gather valuable information.
As the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team gears up for the WorldSSP season, the riders and the team are focused on refining their strategies. The unpredictability of Phillip Island, coupled with the evolving conditions, sets the stage for an exciting season ahead.