2021 British Superbike Champion Taran Mackenzie was announced as a Scott Reading alternative to the MGM Bonobo Ducati team at Hungary Worldsub this weekend.
Mackenzie began the season with the Mie Honda team, but was replaced by Tito Rabat, who split from the Japanese outfit after Misano and released Yamaha to Motox Racing in favor of Michael Reuben Rinaldi ahead of the Emilia Romania round.
Missing the Donington round, Mackenzie returned to the grid with the MGM Bonovo team this weekend (July 25-27) of his first Hungarian round since 1990, confirming that former rider Scott Redding was full-time to BSB this week for the rest of the year for PBM Ducati team Glenn Irwin.
“I’m so happy to be back on the grid and especially with teams like MGM Bonobo,” Taran Mackenzie said.
“A truly lovely bike that fits with an established team!
“In all aspects, including the track, everything will be new to me this weekend, but I am really excited to start riding again after not racing since Misano.
“It certainly isn’t easy, but I am lucky enough to have a good team with experienced people and make the transition much easier.
“I have no hope for anything but to learn and enjoy again this weekend. I can’t wait!”
For Mackenzie, it was his first time racing the Ducati Panigal v4 R in any series, and the first time since he moved to World Superbike in 2024 to 2024 that he was taking machines other than the Honda CBR1000RR-R. The British riders will enter the 21st of Hungary’s weekend with a nine-point ranking.