– After Michele Pirro stepped in for the injured Alex Marquez in Mugello, Iker Lecuona gets a chance in the Gresini team at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The nomination came as a surprise to the Superbike rider himself and only became concrete a few days after a test session in Aragon.
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Lecuona describes how suddenly the request came. The situation developed during a Michelin test in Aragon earlier this week, with which the Superbike World Championship is preparing for a manufacturer change in 2027.
“I had the first run, then we had about 15 minutes where the team had to check the bike. Then my assistant Paco told me: “Hey, Diego [his manager] wants to talk to you,”” Lecuona reports. Suddenly it was: “Do you want to ride in MotoGP?” In an initial reaction, he couldn’t believe it.
“I also told Ducati that it was a big surprise for me,” Lecuona admits. “Thanks to Ducati for this opportunity, thanks also to Gresini and of course to Aruba. We made this decision together, and that was important. So thanks to everyone who gave me this chance.”
“No pressure, but a gift”
Despite the short-notice return to the premier class, Lecuona does not see his role as a burden. On the contrary: the assignment is a special opportunity for him, having already been a regular MotoGP rider for Tech3-KTM in 2020/21.
“I’m not trying to come here. I see it as a gift,” he says. “I don’t think it’s pressure. It’s an opportunity – no pressure, but a gift.”
His decision to race in Hungary was made quickly, even if the Spaniard admits: “I actually wanted to enjoy three years without MotoGP. But when Ducati gives you this chance, you can’t say no.”
His current environment also played a role in the decision: “Ducati sees that I’m doing a good job in the Superbike world, and that’s also important for my future. And Gresini agreed to give me this chance. Aruba was also involved. I really want to thank all three parties.”
Lecuona has only a short time to adapt
However, there can hardly be any talk of intensive preparation. The schedule before the assignment was tight: test in Aragon, short stay in Valencia, then direct travel to the Grand Prix.
“I drove to my father’s in Valencia on Tuesday after the test, with my assistant. Yesterday I arrived here,” Lecuona reveals. “I haven’t talked much to anyone. I just want to ride and enjoy.”
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Technically, Lecuona expects a quick adjustment, even if he is cautious about the tire question. Asked about the differences between his previous experiences with Michelin and the current ones during the test, he remains reserved.
“I don’t know if I’m allowed to say much about it. Of course, it’s different from Pirelli, but also similar,” he says and admits: “I would have liked to have had two days with this tire before coming here.” Nevertheless, Lecuona feels ready for his MotoGP guest appearance in Hungary, also because he was just there.
“We were here just a month ago in very good form with the Superbike World Championship. So I have a fresh memory of this track,” he points out a possible advantage.
Criticism of the track regarding safety
At the same time, the Gresini replacement is very clear when it comes to the safety assessment of the track. He had already viewed the track critically from a Superbike perspective. In the MotoGP context, his judgment is even harsher.
“Perhaps even worse,” he says when asked about safety. “Because in MotoGP we are even faster on the straights. But it is what it is. If it’s within the rules, we can’t say anything.” Last year, an accident involving Enea Bastianini in particular triggered a safety debate.
After several incidents had already occurred in the sprint, Bastianini slid off in the main race in the tight chicane 12/13 and, along with his bike, slid back onto the racing line. Fortunately, following riders were able to swerve in time, so the Tech3-KTM rider remained unharmed.
Lecuona: Bulega deserves promotion
Regarding the possible promotion of his teammate Nicolo Bulega to MotoGP in 2027, Lecuona has a clear opinion: “He deserves it, honestly. We are very fast, we are the only two riders who are always at the front.”
Bulega is being discussed for a place in the VR46-Ducati team. However, nothing is fixed yet. “If he comes here, I’ll be happy for him. He’s winning all the races at the moment.”
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Meanwhile, his own expectations for the Hungarian race remain deliberately low: no big goals, no predictions. “If I’m not last, everything is fine,” Lecuona summarizes his expectation for the upcoming weekend with a smile.
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