Lecuona and Vierge Shine at Cremona Circuit, Securing Best Results of the Season

The Team HRC riders, Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge, delivered a standout performance at the Cremona Circuit, securing their best race results of the 2022 WorldSBK season. In a thrilling Race 1, the duo navigated the challenging conditions to finish fourth and sixth, respectively, showcasing the team's impressive progress and potential.

Unlocking the Potential: Team HRC's Stellar Qualifying Effort

The day began with a final free practice session, where Lecuona and Vierge made significant strides. Lecuona, in particular, shone, dipping under the 1'30 mark for the first time mid-session and setting a blistering 1'29.100 lap time, which propelled him to third place overall. Vierge, too, made technical adjustments and improved his best time to 1'29.593, just four-tenths off his teammate's pace.The Superpole qualifying session proved to be a true test of the riders' skill and determination. Despite facing several yellow flag incidents that resulted in lap time cancellations, both Lecuona and Vierge managed to secure respectable grid positions. Vierge qualified seventh, while Lecuona, despite a mid-session crash, secured eighth on the grid, setting the stage for an exciting Race 1.

Race 1: A Thrilling Battle for the Podium

As the lights went out for Race 1, Lecuona and Vierge got off to a strong start, maintaining their positions through the opening laps. Vierge soon moved up to sixth, finding a good rhythm, while Lecuona matched his teammate's pace. By lap nine, the duo had progressed to fifth and sixth, respectively, and were poised to challenge for even higher positions.Lecuona's determination shone through as he made a decisive move, passing Locatelli to move up to third. The Spaniard then set his sights on the podium, pushing hard to catch the leaders. However, Bautista's late charge proved too much, and Lecuona was forced to settle for fourth, missing out on the podium by just over a second.Vierge, too, was involved in a close battle, exchanging positions with Lecuona and ultimately finishing sixth, just 86 thousandths of a second behind fifth-placed Bassani. The Team HRC duo's combined efforts resulted in their best result of the season so far, a testament to the team's hard work and the riders' unwavering commitment.

Reflections and Optimism: Lecuona and Vierge's Perspectives

Iker Lecuona expressed his exhilaration, praising the team's quick work in repairing his bike after a crash during qualifying. Despite the challenges, he remained calm and confident, knowing the team had the pace to run at the front of the second group. Lecuona's strategic approach paid off as he moved up the order, passing Locatelli and nearly catching the podium. While he couldn't fend off Bautista's late charge, Lecuona was satisfied with the fourth-place finish, considering it a job well done.Xavi Vierge, too, was pleased with the team's solid performance, acknowledging the difficulties faced during qualifying due to the yellow flags and lap time cancellations. Vierge struggled with grip issues throughout the race, but he remained focused on managing his tires and positioning himself for a strong finish. Although the race was red-flagged before he could make a final push, Vierge is confident that the team has a clear plan to improve for the next day's races, aiming to fight at the front once again.

A Bittersweet Celebration: Petrucci's Homecoming Victory

Amidst the excitement of the Team HRC riders' strong performances, Lecuona took a moment to congratulate his former MotoGP teammate, Danilo Petrucci, on his victory in the race. Lecuona expressed his happiness for Petrucci, who had made the successful transition to the WorldSBK championship and secured a win in his home country. The camaraderie and mutual respect between the two riders added a touch of warmth to the day's events, showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship that permeates the paddock.As the sun sets on the Cremona Circuit, the Team HRC squad can take pride in their achievements, knowing that they have laid the foundation for even greater success in the races to come. With the momentum gained from this strong performance, Lecuona and Vierge are poised to continue their charge towards the top, determined to deliver more thrilling battles and podium finishes for their loyal fans.