Vierge, Lecuona forgo second day of Jerez WorldSBK test

Team HRC riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge have brought their first WorldSBK test of 2022 to a premature end after skipping day-two at Jerez. 

Like six-time WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea on day-one, the two Honda riders have elected to keep a full day's worth of track action for later in the year after completing their entire test program on Wednesday. 

Alex Lowes was quickest on the opening day, however, Vierge and Lecuona showed a great deal of promise as they finished less than two tenths behind the Kawasaki rider - in Vierge’s case it was just +0.024s separating the two. 

"It’s been a very good test session, with great weather which allowed us to start early and make the most of the time available until five in the afternoon," added Vierge. 

"We were able to lap very consistently as we continued to adapt to the bike. We worked through many things on the electronics side and with the set-up, while also evaluating the Pirelli Tyres that work differently from the ones I was used to, which took many laps to reach optimum performance. 

"While here, we put in a fresh tyre and had a lot of grip to exploit right away. Overall, I liked the fact that, with everything we tried, I was able to understand the way to go faster. 

"I know the Jerez track very well of course, and it was the best track for me as I start learning about this category. Now it will be important to see what our feeling is like at different circuits."

For team-mate Lecuona it was the first outing since injuring his left hand during the December test (Jerez). And although not 100% fit still, the Spaniard felt good following an ‘intense day’. 

Lecuona said: "I’m honestly very happy because I felt really good and strong on the bike. My hand was not yet 100% ready, but I could manage OK and was able to work well with the team. 

"We were able to test everything anyway and complete our entire work schedule. It was an intense day in which we were able to complete many laps of the track, also because we were very lucky with the weather. 

"By the end of the day I was experiencing some pain in my hand but, all in all, it’s been a really satisfying test so we will save the second day for another time. 

"Now the focus is on preparing for this session and ensuring that I’m back to full fitness with my hand."