The 2022 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is just around the corner and testing preparations are well underway for Team HRC’s all-new line-up of Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge. The Spanish duo, competing in their first full campaign of WorldSBK action, took to the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto to dial in crucial laps ahead of the 2022 season, where a “constructive” test welcomed their latest instalment of their preseason programme.

Going out on track across Tuesday and Wednesday – although Vierge only did two half-days of testing – both riders got to work and reeled off the laps, focussing on base set-up, with the bike’s geometry and electronics once again being a prime focus. Back at the Jerez test in January, Honda were spotted trialling different geometry set-ups. One thing that will be visibly different at Honda this year is the fact they’ve switched to Nissin brakes and Showa suspension – this puts them in-line with the factory BMW squad in terms of brakes and with KRT in terms of suspension. The second day of the test had a primary focus on the fine-tuning of each riders’ set-up.

Speaking after the test and looking ahead to their next one at MotorLand Aragon, Iker Lecuona said: “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.”

On the other side of the garage, Xavi Vierge commented: “I’m happy because we made good progress throughout this test and with respect to last week’s session. To be honest, having decided to test over just two afternoons, I started both days in the warmest conditions and I struggled at first. We worked on some new settings, and it took a little time to adapt to the different feeling. But we worked very well with the electronics, adjusting and fine tuning the set-up until we found the way and I was able to get my confidence back.

“We completed a couple of good long runs, with a pace that was much better compared to the last time we were here. I also made a few practice-starts, and we’ve taken a step forward there too. The work has been intense, but I was able to make a lot of laps without any problems or delays, which has allowed us to collect a lot of data. Now we must analyse everything in preparation for the next test.”

Their next test will be at MotorLand Aragon on the 4^th and 5^th of April, just days before the season kicks off. Watch all of the 2022 round action LIVE, wherever you are, with the WorldSBK VideoPass!