Three-race WorldSBK weekend ‘a big challenge’ - Lecuona

New Team HRC rider Iker Lecuona believes adapting to WorldSBK’ three-race weekend will be among the biggest challenges of his rookie season. 

The Spaniard, who last week completed a one-day test alongside new team-mate Xavi Vierge in Jerez, will experience a multi-race weekend for the first time in his career when the 2022 campaign begins at MotorLand Aragon in April. 

Lecuona won’t be the only WorldSBK rookie to be facing such a challenge as Vierge and Hafizh Syahrin (MIE Honda Racing) have also moved across from the grand prix paddock.

Speaking to WorldSBK.com, Lecuona added: "For me, the big challenge is race management. In MotoGP, we have only one race per week. 

"In MotoGP, we have more race weeks but in WorldSBK we have more races because there are two long races and a Superpole race. I think this is a big challenge."

In order to prepare for the different race demands, Lecuona has undergone a more intense training program despite suffering from a left hand injury in December.  

"I need to improve a lot physically and mentally,” said Lecuona. “In general, I need to change my home training to try to ride the maximum. I think this is a big challenge for me. 

"I started training some weeks ago for my hand but finally the only thing I can do now, compared to last year is train a bit more or change a little bit the style, the methods with my personal training or with my nutritionist. In general, I’ve changed a little bit of everything to try to help my body and also to help myself to improve this point."

After spending the last two seasons in MotoGP with Tech 3 KTM, Lecuona’s move to WorldSBK sees him join a full-factory team for the first time in his premier class career.