Pre-season testing continues for the Honda HRC team at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal, with Iker Lecuona reuniting with teammate Xavi Vierge after missing the Jerez test.
One week since its last important test at the Jerez Circuit in Spain, and the Honda HRC team has been hard at work at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal, completing further testing with factory riders Xavi Vierge and Iker Lecuona. Lecuona was unable to take part in the Jerez tests due to injury, but was back on board this week, keen to get back on his CBR1000RR-R for the first time this year. Honda test rider Tetsuta Nagashima was again in attendance, supporting the factory squad during these important pre-season tests.
As was the case in Spain, the team was able to complete some decent runs on just one of the two scheduled days as, following a productive Tuesday, the track action on Wednesday was unfortunately disrupted by intermittent rain showers. On day one, Vierge essentially picked up where he left off with his team at Jerez last week, continuing with suspension tests, electronics, and general setup.
On the other side of the garage, Lecuona took things slowly on Tuesday, easing himself back into the rhythm of riding considering he is not yet back to full fitness. Iker was able to provide the Honda technicians with initial feedback, though the test was essentially an opportunity for him to ride his CBR1000RR-R for the first time in two months and assess his physical condition. Still experiencing some pain, Lecuona completed 25 laps on Tuesday and made just a couple of practice starts on Wednesday morning.
Attempting to make the most of Wednesday’s wet conditions, Vierge took to the track late in the morning but an innocuous crash through turn 1 unfortunately left him with a damaged bike, putting an end to his efforts after two exits. The rider was unhurt in the incident.
This was the final European test session for the team ahead of the start of the WorldSBK championship on 21-23 February. One last official test will take place at Phillip Island in Australia on 17-18 February, just a few days prior to the season-opener, to be staged at the same Australian track.
