The Petronas MIE Honda outfit has confirmed an immediate split with Scottish rider Tarran Mackenzie ahead of the seventh round of the WorldSBK season.
Mackenzie and MIE Honda began a working relationship back in 2023 where he took part in the Supersport World Championship.
After securing MIE’s first and only win at Most in Race 2, he and the team gained a promotion to WorldSBK for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
However, the partnership will end sooner than planned ahead of Mackenzie’s home round in Donington with no confirmation on his next move.
Mackenzie stated via a press release: “Firstly, I want to thank Midori, Sandro and the entire PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team.
“Although it’s been difficult at times, there have been many positives, including the Supersport win at Most – the team’s first ever race win – and Assen this year, where I finished top ten and scored points in every race.
“I am very grateful to Midori, who gave me a big opportunity to come to this paddock. I always strived to give 100% and put in maximum effort, but perhaps a new outlook can bring value to both the team and my own journey as a rider.
“It is sad that we are parting ways, but we have many happy memories, and I, of course, wish the team the best of luck for the rest of the season.”
Petronas MIE Honda Racing Team Principal, Midori Moriwaki said: “Tarran will always have a special place in my heart and in the story of our team.
“We’ve faced challenges together and we’ve shared great moments too, not least that amazing win at Most.
“He is a great rider and a true professional. It’s never easy to say goodbye, but we do so with total respect and affection, and we sincerely wish him all the very best for the next chapter of his journey.”
Mackenzie has secured only six points-scoring finishes in WorldSBK since his promotion at the start of 2024.
Bike Sport News reports that the 2021 British Superbike champion is reportedly linked with a return to the British paddock with PBM Ducati, following a season-ending injury to incumbent rider Glenn Irwin, who suffered a fractured sacrum at Snetterton.
