Two more shows and then it’s time for a new adventure. As announced last week, Honda has decided to focus on Iker Lecuona at the next Superbike World Championship. It is then up to him and Xavi virgin to pick up the baton from Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam on the CBR 1000 RR-R.
However, the Spaniard wants to end his MotoGP adventure in the best possible way before diving into the paddock of the near-series series.
“As you all know by now, Honda has announced me and Vierge as official drivers for 2022 – he said – I am happy because HRC has decided to concentrate on two young, ambitious guys and to make the right choice. “
Iker will therefore be on the official team.
“We have a new project where the goal will be to compete with the best riders on the grid. My experience in MotoGP will certainly come in handy for this new adventure that awaits me in the SBK paddock. When I was with Honda spoke, I said yes because we’re talking about an important brand, but above all They gave me the opportunity to be a works driver and to have confidence in me and Xavi.
In MotoGP, there are still two races left. But first there is time for a brief assessment.
“The expectations for this season were different from my side because I couldn’t be consistent. I’ve made several mistakes and ended up on the floor on many occasions. I think of Austin when I was near the top ten, for example. It’s a shame how it went, but I want to end this experience with KTM in the best possible way. “
Iker then wanted to clear the air about a few things …
“The frustrating thing is that we only got the material after the factory team. That was an aspect that had a big impact. I also don’t agree very much with their policy on young drivers. If you believe in a young rider, you have to invest at least 3-4 years, but they didn’t do it to me, they didn’t believe in me. I had little time to show what I can do and not even the support I needed.
Lecuona explained his point of view.
“The KTM is not a motorcycle like the Yamaha or the Ducati and in terms of performance I think it’s very clear. In fact, all you have to do is compare the results of our bike with the others. But above all, in comparison to the M1, it is not a bike that goes fast as soon as you get on. It takes time and work. In the end I had to take a new path and decided to join the SBK with Honda. In fact, I had to change and have a new challenge. “
Who knows if we’ll see him again in MotoGP one day?
“Never say never in life but I don’t think I’ll be going back to MotoGP. The only option could be an official team, but I’m not thinking of a comeback. “