McPhee 'understanding more and more' Husqvarna Moto3 bike, finishes P12

John McPhee believes his riding style is beginning to adapt to Husqvarna machinery after finishing the Official Portimao Moto3 test in P12. 

The Scottish rider, who finished 19th on day one before claiming sixth during the second day of action, was making his debut for the Sterilgarda Max Biaggi Racing Team alongside former Petronas Sprinta Racing team-mate Ayumu Sasaki. 

The 2022 season promises to be an important one for McPhee who has been longing for a full-time opportunity in Moto2. 

This season will be McPhee’s last in which he is eligible to ride in Moto3 as the maximum age limit is 28 - McPhee is currently 27 years of age. 

Despite finishing over a second away from 2021 runner-up Dennis Foggia who ended the Portimao test quickest, McPhee is confident of a good result in Qatar. 

"I really enjoyed the last three days here in Portimao. It’s been great to get back with the team again, and to gain experience working together after a few days from the start of the season," added McPhee. 

"It feels like a small family, so it’s been really nice and I’m really happy with everything there. 

"With the bike I’m adapting my riding style. I’m understanding more and more the way I need to ride my Husqvarna, so I think we are in good shape for Qatar. 

"We lost a little bit of time in these three days, but in the end we came good and we were able to do a reasonable lap time, especially with the hard tyres. 

"Of course there is always more to learn, but at the moment it has been very positive and I feel in good shape to start the season."

Sasaki also enjoyed a solid first test for the Biaggi-led team as he finished fourth on combined times (final day), while fifth overall across the entire test. 

In fact, the Japanese rider claimed it’s the best he’s felt on Moto3 machinery: "I am very happy about how the test went. On the first few days we focussed a lot on the setup, trying to look for a good lap time and I think our base is very good. 

"I never felt so good on a bike, which is very positive and yeah, I have big confidence going to Qatar. 

"Compared to last year I think I prepared myself very well during the winter, because I did not go home and I stopped in Spain training hard. This paid off. 

"These three days I know that I am very competitive, so that is very good. Now I just can’t wait to ride in Qatar and I hope on Sunday we can finish very well."