‘Profitable’ WorldSBK test for Lecuona, ‘best I’ve felt so far’

Iker Lecuona is feeling confident on the Honda WorldSBK after two days testing at Portimao and a further two at Jerez this week.

The former KTM MotoGP rider is adapting well to his new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and with a month between his two visits to the Andalucian circuit, the progress is obvious to see.

“We’re quite happy with the work we have done over the two days,” Lecuona confirmed. “We have been really lucky with the weather again, with conditions similar to those during our previous test here one month ago, though it was a little warmer this time.

“We made a good start to the session and I was able to get up to speed right from the first run. From there, we carried on trying many different items and settings, some of which worked well while others still need improvement, but that’s normal at this stage. We worked hard on the electronics, engine brake set-up and many other aspects of the bike, looking to find a consistent pace.”

Choosing to utilise the full track time available across both days, while his teammate Xavi Vierge ran for just the two afternoons, Lecuona left Jerez suitably positive with the steps made and eager for more ahead of the opening action at Aragon in early April.

“On day two we put it all together and had a very profitable day, also completing a positive long run during which I felt pretty good, the best I’ve felt on the bike so far actually. We need to keep working like this but, in the meantime, I leave here with a smile on my face.”