Factory rider Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) and potential replacement rider for the injured Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC), Sergio Garcia, took to the MotorLand Aragon circuit for a pair of test days following the month-long summer break. Both spoke about the progress they felt they made over the pair of days, especially Garcia, who enjoyed his first outing as part of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship paddock. Previously, #3 featured on the Moto3 grid for four seasons, from 2019 to 2022, before being called up to Moto2 in 2023. Lecuona will be reevaluated before the French Round to see if he will have recovered from his left forearm injury suffered in Hungary.

On Monday, August 25^th, Aruba.it Racing – Ducati announced that Honda’s #7 Iker Lecuona will be joining the Italian manufacturer’s garage in 2026, sending shockwaves around the paddock as the ongoing question as to who would replace the outgoing Alvaro Bautista's (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) seat finally had been answered. With Lecuona confirmed to be leaving the team and Vierge’s 2026 spot yet undecided, looking forward, Honda’s factory side face several essential questions.

“We completed most of what we had planned, finding some positives along the way” – Vierge on his return to the track at Aragon

Xavi Vierge's test, like the rest of the participants', was hampered on Day 1 by rainy weather at the start of the day. Wet conditions turned mixed and later dry, as the cloud cover broke, allowing riders to get to work under more desirable conditions. His Day 1 saw him lay down a 1:50.046s time in the afternoon session, placing him sixth fastest behind Nicolo Bulega's (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) time on the 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R concept bike and in front of Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), riding a total of 66 laps. He finished Day 2 fifth fastest, his 1’49.600s lap time the fastest of his 77 laps; clocked in 0.157s slower than Bautista, who on his hot lap was riding the new 2026 Ducati concept Panigale V4 R.

On his experience at the test, Vierge said: “It’s nice to be back on track after the long summer break. Unfortunately, we lost Monday morning as the track was half wet, half dry. We had a busy afternoon as a result, working hard to test everything in our work plan, electronics, brakes, and many things. The track conditions improved as the day went on, and the feeling was quite good.  We completed most of what we had planned, finding some positives along the way. We worked with race tyres, which was important, and the pace was quite good. On the second day, the conditions were sunny until one hour before the end, allowing us to work on many areas of the bike and collect a lot of data. I think we found a few positives that will help us to close the gap a bit on the front in the next races”.

GETTING UP TO SPEED: “The bike is completely different compared to the one I’m used to riding, but I can feel it has a lot of potential”

Sergio Garcia hit the ground running at Aragon. The Spanish 22-year-old from Valencia brought his Moto2 two-time race-winning pedigree to bear on Day 1; his best lap time placed him in tenth behind Bimota test rider Javi Fores in his first outing atop the Honda WorldSBK package. Day 2 saw him maintain that form, landing P10 again in the combined times across the two sessions, thanks to his morning time of 1:50.897s. In total, running 48 laps across the course of the test’s final day.

On his debut with the Honda CBR 1000 RR-R, Garcia said: “Day one went well, giving me my first chance to ride the Honda Superbike, even if it was only for half a day as the track was still damp in the morning. On day two, the conditions remained stable and sunny until late in the afternoon, allowing me to work consistently with the team. Overall, I think the results from these two days are really positive. Of course, the bike is completely different compared to the one I’m used to riding, but I can feel it has a lot of potential. I needed to adapt my riding style, while the team did a great job in setting up the bike for me. We only worked with race tyres and had just a few sets, so we focused on understanding the bike, which I think we achieved, as I felt a good progression throughout the test. I really enjoyed myself, and I’m very pleased to have had this opportunity. I want to thank Honda for it and the whole Honda HRC team for their support throughout the test”.

Tune in to see how Honda manage in the upcoming French Round, September 5^th-7^th! Watch live or on demand with the WorldSBK VideoPass! Now 50% off!