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Day 2 of testing at a cloudy Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto, Andalucia, saw MGM Optical Express Racing officially launch their 2026 campaign as the team hopes to pick up where they left off after bringing the 2025 season to a close on a very high note. British rider Tarran Mackenzie returns with the team as their sole rider after joining mid-season following the departure of compatriot Scott Redding. ‘Taz’ made his debut at Balaton Park in the eighth round of the 12-round season and showed more and more potential as he settled in with the team. After landing in the points four times with his previous team all season prior to Hungary, the #95 scored nine times in the remaining 15 races that he competed in after making the switch, including a breakout final round where he placed in the top ten in each race.

On his 2026 seat, Mackenzie said: “It’s great to finally announce the new partnership with Optical Express and MGM Performance. Everyone’s been working so hard in the background over the winter to prepare everything for the new season, so it’s great to finally show the new colours. I know the new Ducati Panigale V4R will be exceptional, and to have such strong backing behind me for 2026 gives me huge confidence. We have four days of testing in Europe before heading to Australia, so I can’t wait to kick things off and get the season underway!”

MGM Performance Team Principal Michael Galinski shared in Mackenzie’s enthusiasm, adding: “We are really looking forward to the new season. Being able to work with such a strong partner as Optical Express naturally gives us an even bigger boost. We want to try to work our way up from top 10 finishes, and I believe that Tarran has what it takes, and we have the technical capabilities to do so. So, we are eagerly looking forward to the new season, the first race at Phillip Island, and then the European rounds.”

Tune in to see how ‘Taz’ fares in 2026 with the WorldSBK VideoPass!