Lecuona Prioritizing fitness, Honda Commitment Ahead of First Ducati Test
Aragon, Spain โ- Incoming ducati superbike rider Iker Lecuona is carefully planning his first test with the Panigale V4R, prioritizing his current recoveryโ andโ maintaining a respectful relationship with his current team, Honda.Confirmed as the โreplacementโข for 2026โข World Champion Alvaro Bautista inโค August, Lecuona addressed his testing schedule during the Aragonโค race weekend.
Lecuona stated his initial Ducati test is contingent on โฃreceiving clearance โto compete in theโ final two rounds of the season atโข Estoril and Jerez. “It depends heavily on whether I โcan driveโ in Estoril and Jerez,” he explained. He emphasized his reluctance to test for Ducati if it meant compromising his commitment to Honda, stating, “From a human point ofโฃ view, it would not be good to complete the test if I cannot take part in the races.That wouldโฃ not be fair to Honda. โฃThat is clear to me.”
the Spaniardโฃ confirmed his contract with Honda concludes atโ the end of the current season,โ believing he is contractually free to test the Ducati afterward. Despite this, Lecuona stressed the importance of respecting โhis current employer. “It is indeed significant to me to show respect for honda,” the 25-year-old said.
Shoudl he be granted the opportunity to test before the season’s end, Lecuona intends to proceed cautiously. “Ifโค I โขcan take part in the test, then I can’t really push. It is indeed very โคcritically important not toโฃ take any risks. A fall at the moment would be hard.โ That’s why I don’t want to do stupid things,” he noted,expressing hope for a more aggressive testing program in โคJanuary and February.