Torres completes MIE Althea Honda line-up

Jordi Torres has joined the MIE Althea Honda team for the 2020 World Superbike campaign, starting from the Jerez round.

The Spanish rider, who competed for the Pedercini Kawasaki squad last year, is set to take on a maiden MotoE campaign with Pons plus the Spanish Superbike championship and has completed a hectic 2020 programme with a deal to race for MIE Althea Honda from the third round onwards.

Torres will partner Takumi Takahashi who will contest the full 2020 World Superbike championship for the satellite Honda team, with Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam forming the rider line-up at the factory HRC squad.

“I’m thrilled to have the chance to race in the WorldSBK championship with Honda and the MIE Racing Althea Honda Team,” Torres said. “I’m prepared to work closely with the team, bringing my own experience but also learning from them.

“I’m sure that by combining our efforts, we will be able to continuously improve our performance and our results over the season. I am looking forward to riding the new Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP and will do my best for the team, Honda and all our fans.”

“The 2020 racing season is going to be a very special one and I’m very proud to see the MIE Racing name on the world stage, supported by Honda and HRC,” Midori Moriwaki, team manager, added. “I am very grateful for this precious backing. Thanks to the strong relationship with Honda and Althea Racing, we started our WorldSBK work last year and now, with the new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, such a special bike, we renew our commitment, on track with HRC rider Takumi Takahashi.

“We have signed Jordi Torres, who completes our 2020 line-up. Jordi will join the MIE racing Althea Honda Team as of the third round [Jerez].

“We know we are in for a demanding season, as everything is new and we are up against some very strong rivals, but we also have the experience and knowledge gained during the 2019 season, which will be of real value.”