Downgraded Honda riders: “Then they should go” / World Superbike Championship

To Honda’s credit, Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge did not shut up. Two factory drivers are surprisingly open and clear in criticizing the new CBR1000RR-R, which, despite many updates, seems even less competitive than the previous model. The Honda Racing Corporation points out that the problem is with the motorcycle and not with the riders.

“If the drivers are fine, you can’t blame them. We are the first to know that we are not ready to fight for the top positions,” said team manager Jose Escamez telling our colleagues from Motosprint. “Iker is more explosive. He has a lot of anger and therefore gets angry easily. Xavi, on the other hand, is calmer and perhaps more mature. He has the same goal but a slightly different perspective. I think both of them have realized that the mentality within the project has changed and there is a desire to return to the old level.”

As a reminder: Nicky Hayden got his last victory eight years ago (!) in the rain chaos at Sepang – that was still an RR in the SP version. James Toseland won the last World Cup in the 2007 season.

BMW repeatedly responded to problems in the series-based world championship and set the right course. And for Toprak Razgatlioglu, a heavyweight rider was recruited who can compensate for the remaining weaknesses of the M1000RR – the Turk won twice in Barcelona!

“I know that sometimes a driver can make a difference,” continued Leon Camier’s successor. “In my opinion, considering the current state of affairs, we should think more about improving the motorcycle, then the right rider will come. If one of our drivers no longer believes in the project, they can leave. We certainly do not want any drivers with us who do not see any possibility in this project. But now it is too early to talk about such things.”