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Two more appearances and then it will be time to start a new adventure. As announced last week, Honda has decided to focus on Iker Lecuona for the next Superbike World Championship. It will then be up to him and Xavi Vierge to pick up the baton left by Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam on the CBR 1000 RR-R.
The Spaniard, however, intends to finish his MotoGP adventure in the best possible way before diving into the paddock of the production-based series.
"As you all know by now, Honda has announced me and Vierge as official riders for 2022 - he said - I am happy, because HRC has decided to focus on two young, ambitious guys, making the right choice".
Iker will therefore be in the official team.
"We have a new project, where the goal will be to fight with the best riders on the grid. For sure my experience in MotoGP will certainly be useful for this new adventure that awaits me in the SBK paddock. When I spoke to Honda I said yes, because we are talking about an important brand, but above all they gave me the opportunity to be a factory rider, putting trust in myself and in Xavi ”.
Meanwhile, there are still two races to go in MotoGP. But first there is time for a quick assessment.
“The expectations this season were different on my part, as I was unable to be consistent. I made several mistakes, plus I ended up on the ground on many occasions. I’m thinking for example of Austin, when I was close to the top ten. Too bad about the way 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 always got the material after the factory team. That was an aspect that had a significant impact. I also don't agree with their policy for young riders very much. If you believe in a young rider you have to invest at least 3-4 years, but they didn't do it with me, they didn't believe in me. I had little time available to show what I could do and not even the support I needed ”.
Lecuona explained his point of view.
“The KTM is not a bike like the Yamaha or the Ducati and in terms of performance I think it is very clear. In fact, all you have to do is compare the results of our bike with the others. But above all, compared to the M1, this is not a bike that goes fast immediately as soon as you get on it. There is a need for time and work. In the end I had to choose a new path and I opted for Honda in SBK. In fact, I needed to change and have a new challenge ”.
Who knows if one day we will see him in MotoGP again?
“Never say never in life, but I don't think I'll go back to MotoGP. The only possibility could be an official team, but I’m not thinking about a comeback. "
