Rookies, concessions and progress, Camier reflects on HRC’s 2022

Two rookies made up the Honda WorldSBK line up in 2022 with team boss Leon Camier impressed with the progress made.

A podium at Assen and pole position on home soil at Barcelona for Iker Lecuona highlighted the Spaniard’s ability to switch from MotoGP to World Superbikes with Xavi Lecuona having similar consistent mid-pack success as he rounded out the season’s top ten narrowly behind his teammate.

“It’s been definitely a lot of progress,” Camier acknowledged. “With two rookies, we were confident they could come in and perform well but also the base of our package became a lot more stable this year, I would say.

“There were quite a few changes, as we know, from suspension and brakes and these things which brought quite a few unknowns. Our idea was to do it now and try and progress and to develop everything for future profits.

“In general, I think the year’s gone very well. We were really fast many times with both riders. Many top sixes and a podium; it was a little bit gifted, but we had to be there to fight for it anyway.

“I think it’s been a good year and we’re quite confident the future will keep progressing. It’ll take time, for sure. It’s not something we turn around in one day. Japan are working hard but they’re not super-fast to make changes always and, when they do, they want to make sure it’s to the right way. It’s a bit of a philosophy from them. We’ll keep making progress and we will arrive with a package that we can be consistently competitive with.”

While the riders were new to the class, Camier himself is only in his second season at the helm after retiring from active competition at the end of 2020.

“It’s been a constant learning, every day!” He admitted, of his relatively new role. “I’ve honestly really,