It's a big party for Iker Lecuona and Honda. The podium in Race 1 at Estoril repays him for all he has had to face over the years, and along with him HRC can celebrate as well. The hope is that this result can serve as a springboard to a 2025 where he can raise the bar even higher.
The Spaniard is beaming for the result and at the same time for coming out of a tunnel that seemed to have no end.
"It's certainly an unexpected podium - began the HRC rider - I was able to get a good start, but I had contact with Rinaldi and almost crashed. Lap after lap, however, I was able to move up the classification, recovering many positions while finding confidence and speed. The only thing that worried me was tire management, but I was able to conserve it. I think it was the best race since I have been in this World Championship."
Iker, how difficult has it been over the years to carry on development with only two riders?
"Vierge and I are two very different riders and as a result it is not easy. What matters is that our indications are the same as well as our speed. I think we have done a very good job together, finding a solid base to focus on."
Some say that today's many crashes weighed heavily to get on the podium...
"I disagree because today I had the pace to be on the podium and I was close to them. If Bulega had been fighting with Bautista, I would have been there with them. So I don't agree with this."
What is the value of this result instead?
"This year I had no injuries and with the new crew chief I found confidence, but above all a working method that would allow me to be strong. So we moved in a specific direction, working step by step. Eventually we got to where we are today."
There was a lot of excitement and many bright eyes in the HRC box today.
"At the beginning of the season it is true that I was desperate, but because I lost so much time because of injuries. I didn't feel like a rider anymore, but I worked to get where I am today. In the helmet I cried because of all the difficulties I had to face. Unfortunately, I suffered a serious injury to my shoulder as well as my knee and it was not easy. However, I am back and this result has a special value."
Iker, looking at the form factor, what is the ranking of the teams?
"I would say the best bike is BMW, then Ducati, then Kawasaki. Then there is us and finally Yamaha."