Making the step up from the European Junior Cup, Mika Perez (WILSport Racedays) is one of three permanent Honda’s on the grid in the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship for 2017, and is only three points off the championship lead.

Taking a couple of rounds to settle in on his Honda CBR500R machine, Perez finally found his feet and soon stamped his authority a true title contender in the all new series. The 18 year old was on the podium in his debut WorldSSP300 race, but it took a few rounds for his confidence to rebuild and for him to be back up and fighting for the win. Narrowly missing out on the win from pole position at Donington Park, he was later awarded the win following Alfonso Coppola (SK Racing)’s disqualification.

Heading to the Pirelli Riviera Di Rimini Round, Perez put in a sensational pole position lap time before taking the victory in a thrilling final lap scrap for the lead. Now sitting just three points behind Scott Deroue (MTM HS Kawasaki) in the title fight, Perez will be putting in the hard work over the summer to take on the second half of the season in the best possible way.

Speaking to WorldSBK.com, Perez speaks of the first half of 2017: “In the opening races of the season it was hard, because the others bikes were faster than mine on the straight. But my team are working hard and I think it could be a successful season.”

“This year has been really nice,” Perez continues.  “I have always been in the top five which is great. We have some parts to improve on in the race, but overall we are happy and we will have to wait and see how the second half of the championship goes.”

Despite securing a massive resurge in points in the races leading up to the summer break, Perez is adamant he is not thinking of the title: “I think I can reduce the gap to the top of the championship, but I am not thinking about this right now. I am taking every round as it comes, race by race. Maybe when we get to Jerez we can start to think about the championship!”

 “Compared to the EJC, WorldSSP300 is different because the bikes are less powerful. I think the talent of the riders is maybe the same, because the EJC riders who have moved up are always at the top. I think that WorldSSP300 is more resourceful as it’s a Dorna championship, which means it should be easier to get a WorldSSP ride next year than in EJC.”

Hoping to impress this year and progress next year, Perez continues: “The plan is to move up to WorldSSP, I have been riding the 500 for four years so I want the 600cc machine. I want more power and I want to try the bike. Maybe I won’t be fast but I want to try.”

Relive all of the sensational WorldSSP300 action on the WorldSBK VideoPass as the series continues on their seven week summer break. With plenty of points still to play for, Perez will be keen to get back out on track at Lausitzring in August.