Ex-MotoGP rider Iker Lecuona has been forced to sit out the remainder of his first WorldSBK test with Team HRC Honda after suffering an injury to his hand during post-season testing in Jerez.
The Spaniard is the big attraction at this week’s three-day test in Spain, his first on a Superbike since making the switch from MotoGP, where he spent two seasons competing with the Tech 3 KTM team.
One of two new riders to represent Honda’s factory-backed efforts in the 2022 WorldSBK Championship together with Moto2-convert Xavi Vierge, Lecuona enjoyed a solid opening day in Jerez by lapping around a second off the pace set by six-time World Champion Jonathan Rea.
However, on the second day he fell from the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade at Turn 12, hurting his left hand and requiring a trip to hospital for further checks.
A fracture to his finger means he will be forced to sit out the remainder of the test, which continues today [Friday], with attention now turning to getting fully fit in time for the first pre-season tests of 2022.
“After hitting his left hand in a fall at turn 12, the last right-hand corner, Iker was taken to the medical centre and then Jerez hospital for a thorough check-up.
“Tests have excluded any serious injuries, but a fracture to the little finger on his left hand means that the Spanish rider will sit out tomorrow’s final day of testing which will go ahead as planned with team-mate Xavi Vierge.
“Doctors will check on Iker’s finger again in the next few days.”
