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MOTOGP RIDER SIGNS FOR FACTORY WSBK TEAM

MotoGP rider signs for factory WSBK team - Image: Motorsport Images

By Dan McCarthy

MotoGP rider Iker Lecuona will make the move into the FIM World Superbike paddock next year after inking a deal with the factory Honda team.

The Spaniard has raced in MotoGP with the Tech 3 KTM squad the last two years scoring a career best sixth place finish in the Austrian Grand Prix earlier this year.

For Lecuona the ride at the Honda WSBK team poses a new challenge for the 21-year-old Spaniard.

“I will be racing next year with HRC in WorldSBK,” Lecuona said on social media. “It’s going to be a great challenge and I’m sure I will enjoy it a lot, but first, let’s enjoy, to the fullest, the last two rounds of the current season.

“Big hug to all of you and thanks for your support.”

Prior to his two MotoGP campaigns he spent three full seasons in Moto2.

The 21-year-old made his debut midway through the 2016 season at the age of just 16 years old and steadily moved his way up the standings year on year.

His best result was a second-place finish at the season ending Valencian Grand Prix in 2018.

Lecuona will be joined at the team by fellow Spanish WSBK rookie Xavi Vierge.

Vierge is a Moto2 veteran having spent seven seasons in the intermediate class, claiming four podiums and three pole positions in that time.

“I’m very happy to announce that next season I will join Team HRC in WorldSBK; it’s a dream for me to be part of HRC.”

Honda said goodbye to two experienced WSBK riders, former MotoGP rider Alvaro Bautista will return to the Ducati World Superbike team.

Just before the announcement of the new Honda line-up the new team announced that 2010 WSBK runner-up Leon Haslam would depart the team after two seasons with the squad.

Team HRC team manager Leon Camier spoke about the hard work and dedication of the 38-year-old Englishman, thanking him for his efforts.

“Over the time spent working together, we have had the opportunity to appreciate Leon as both a rider and as a person,” Camier said.

“We want to thank him for his hard work, dedication and full commitment to our project and the team. It has been a pleasure to work with him, and we wish him all the best for the future.”

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