Vierge joins MotoGP riders Zarco and Martin in Cartagena test

Team HRC rider Xavi Vierge has completed his first laps of 2022 as preparations for the upcoming WorldSBK season continue.

Vierge, who made his official debut for Team HRC during a three-day WorldSBK test in Jerez last month, was back on-track aboard a CBR1000RR-R Fireblade in Cartagena.

 

 

 

 

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Vierge wasn’t the only big name in attendance as he was joined by MotoGP stars and Pramac Ducati teammates Johann Zarco and Jorge Martin.  

After seven seasons in Moto2, Vierge made the switch to Honda alongside fellow Spaniard Iker Lecuona. 

Despite not finishing seven of the 18 Moto2 races in 2021, Vierge was a prolific points scorer in the races he did complete - claiming ten top ten results from 11 rounds including a podium in Catalunya. 

In his seven years competing in the intermediate class Vierge has a total of four podiums, while also finishing 11th in the championship on three occasions including last season. 

The additions of Vierge and Lecuona means Team HRC is the only full factory team to have a completely new rider line-up in 2022 as they replace Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Ducati) and Leon Haslam (return to BSB is considered most likely). 

With Honda finishing bottom of the 2021 manufacturers’ championship and them also being the constructor with the least amount of podium finishes (3), it means Lecuona and Vierge will potentially have a tough first season on their hands.