John McPhee prepared for his first WorldSSP race at Phillip Island on Friday with the Vince64 rider placing 19th in free practice.

Having battled illness and technical issues across the two days of pre-season testing, after swapping Moto3 for the production championship, McPhee completed 36 laps in Australia as the 2023 World Supersport season fired into life.

The Scotsman’s 1’35.789 best, set during the rapidly rising heat of the afternoon, sat him three seconds adrift of pace setter Nicolo Bulega with Saturday heralding the opening qualifying and race action of the rookie’s new challenge.

“Finished my first official day in the WorldSBK paddock,” McPhee said from Phillip Island “Enjoying the atmosphere and paddock vibe a lot.

“My pace and results are a work in progress!

“Strange to think we race tomorrow,” he continued. “Definitely not as prepared as I’d like to be to show some true potential, but with more time and laps the future is exciting! Will dig in tomorrow and let’s see what’s possible.”