Lecuona: Jerez test 'very profitable, the best I’ve felt on the bike'

Iker Lecuona has continued his preparations for the 2022 WorldSBK campaign after completing a third test at Jerez, his fourth in total. 

Like Team HRC team-mate Xavi Vierge, Lecuona was in action just three days after completing a two day test at Portimao, while this week’s Jerez test was his third at the Spanish circuit since December. 

While Vierge restricted his running to just two half days, Lecuona completed the entire test which means the WorldSBK rookie has just 3.5 days remaining out of the ten that are allowed per individual rider.  

After working extensively on the electronics and engine brake set-up of his CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE during day one, Lecuona made considerable steps forward come the end of day two, specifically as it relates to long run performance.

Speaking after the test, Lecuona added: "We’re quite happy with the work we have done over the two days. We have been really lucky with the weather again, with conditions similar to those during our previous test here one month ago, though it was a little warmer this time. 

"We made a good start to the session, and I was able to get up to speed right from the first run. From there, we carried on trying many different items and settings, some of which worked well while others still need improvement, but that’s normal at this stage. 

"We worked hard on the electronics, engine brake set-up and many other aspects of the bike, looking to find a consistent pace. 

"On day 2 we put it all together and had a very profitable day, also completing a positive long run during which I felt pretty good, the best I’ve felt on the bike so far actually. We need to keep working like this but, in the meantime, I leave here with a smile on my face."

Like Vierge, Lecuona could be in action next month as three WorldSBK testing opportunities will be available, before Dorna’s official test (does not count towards a rider’s test allocation) on April 4-5 which is just three days before the season opener at MotorLand Aragon.