World Supersport 300 is coming back after the long summer break and the field of this strongly competitive championship is ready to welcome a new rising star from Australia: Jack Mahaffy.
The 17-year-old guy from Melbourne will race at Portimao with Italian team Terra e Moto, who’ll give him a well-prepared Yamaha R3. Mahaffy was a title contender last year in Australian Supersport 300 and this year he’s been showing great skills in the first eight races of Italian Championship. This rider will replace Imanuel Putra Pratna: the Indonesian is suffering budget issues and so he will not continue racing in WorldSSP300.
We asked Jack a couple of questions about his feelings and expectations ahead of Portimao Round. Read his words.
How did you get to this deal with Terra e Moto?
I have been racing in the national Italian Championship, where I have been learning and growing as a rider during this year. It’s been very up and down, but I have learnt so much about myself, working with the team and how I can ride the bike in different ways. I’ve been in contact with Terra e Moto during the season as friends, they have been watching me during the CIV. When the chance to race in the world championship opened up, I was very grateful to be called up for this opportunity.
What do you expect from this race weekend?
I have not set big expectations for this race. I have an open mindset and I’m here to learn. I know in myself that this is a great opportunity to fight with the best riders in the world. The same mentality of giving it my all every time I get on the bike never changes.
Will you be also in Magny Cours for the final round (scheduled at the end of September)?
We will see. It’s an exciting prospect and I have been in discussion about it, but no decision has been made.
May this opportunity help you in finding a seat for 2019?
I believe so. This is a chance not only to showcase, but also to learn and gather information in every aspect to become a better rider.