Honda unveils ‘competitive’ WorldSBK challenge

Honda WorldSBK officially launched its 2022 line up on Tuesday morning as Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge start their new challenge.

Under the guidance of former WorldSBK front-runner Leon Camier as team manager, the two rookies are looking to impress as they make the jump from the MotoGP paddock to the Superbike World Championship, with the added pressure of three races a weekend.

“Three races in a weekend is physically demanding”, Lecuona said of the awaiting adventure. “Is a big challenge but is also good because I am a rider who if the limit is here, sometimes I like to play on the line. Sometimes I crash. So, with three races I have more chances to have a good result.”

The Spaniard has a completely new look for 2022 having changed manufacturer, championship and racing number for the new role. Lecuona will run ‘7’ on the front of his new Fireblade - having used 27 in MotoGP - partly due to his idol growing up, WorldSBK Champion Carlos Checa.

“When I start with the motorbikes I like Carlos Checa, always I go to see Checa with the number seven. I like this number but I when I go to Moto2 I could not use this number so I use 27 - because also I like Casey Stoner. This year for me I take a different way in my career I come to Superbike and I feel like it’s something I need to change. If I change the championship, why not change now the number.

“I’m really happy,’ he said of the move. “When Honda come to speak with me to sign for Superbike, this became the first option for me, firstly because it’s a factory team, but also because it’s Honda. For me I think Honda is one of the best factories in the motorcycle world and I am really happy and really excited to start.

“I don’t think I have to change a lot my riding style. I am