Petronas MIE Racing Honda Team Prepares for Portuguese WorldSSP

Toba Targets Points Haul at Tricky Portimão Circuit While Azman Builds Experience in a Hard-Fought Championship.

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The Petronas MIE Racing Honda Team arrives at Portugal’s Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (AIA) circuit determined to build on their promising start to the 2025 WorldSSP season. With its signature elevation changes and 15-turn layout, the 4.592km Portimão track presents both opportunity and challenge for the team’s rider duo.

Japanese rider Kaito Toba comes armed with positive memories from last year’s Portuguese round, where he scored points, and looks to improve on his top-ten finish in this season’s Australian opener. “We’re working hard to close the gap to higher-displacement bikes,” said Toba, who trained in Murcia during the break. “Portimão is tricky, but we’ll fight in the pack.”

Meanwhile, Malaysian rookie Syarifuddin Azman faces a steeper learning curve with just one WorldSSP start under his belt, though his prior experience at the circuit – including podium finishes in other categories – provides a valuable foundation. “I know Portimão well and have been training hard since Australia,” Azman stated.

The undulating Portuguese circuit has hosted WorldSSP action since 2008, its rollercoaster layout demanding precision and adaptability. As the team prepares for Friday’s practice sessions and the weekend’s two 17-lap races, the main focus for the team now will be on whether Toba can convert his Phillip Island promise into another point finish, and could Azman continues his adaptation to WorldSSP’s fiercely competitive environment.

With both riders reporting strong physical condition and the team refining their CBR600RR package, Petronas MIE Racing Honda aims to make strides in this crucial European season opener. The Portuguese round could prove pivotal in setting their 2025 campaign trajectory.