Iker Lecuona is preparing for his first challenging ride at the World Superbike Championship in Hungary this weekend at Balaton Park. The Production Derivatives Series will be returning to Balaton for the first WorldSBK round in Hungary since 1990, running from July 25 to 27.
During a test on the circuit in June with a stock bike, Honda rider Iker Lecuona admitted that he didn’t particularly enjoy the track layout. As the race weekend approaches, he reiterated that he expects it to be tough to get the superbike setup right for this track.
Lecuona expressed that he doesn’t favor the Balaton configuration and anticipates difficulties in adjusting the superbike to perform well there. "We’re coming off a demanding weekend in the UK and are now bracing for another tough challenge for various reasons," he said. He added that from his experience at Donington, focusing and working correctly can help maximize the bike setup regardless of conditions.
He confessed, "Honestly, I’m not a fan of trucks, so I need to keep the right mindset for Hungary. We did a brief test with the stock CBR, but adapting the superbike to this track was difficult. Still, it’s the same challenge for everyone, so we’ll manage it as best as we can and keep pushing to maintain the positive momentum from recent races."
On a more optimistic note, Xavi Vierge sees the Balaton round in a more positive light. He believes that testing production bikes at this new track will undoubtedly benefit HRC. "Balaton is a new track for all of us,” Vierge said. “I had a few laps on the Stock Fireblade, which really helps because I now understand the layout and what to expect. A new track is always a challenge and an opportunity—so let’s focus on making the most of that and aim for a strong weekend."
Fan Take: This upcoming WorldSBK round in Hungary is exciting because it introduces a fresh challenge for riders and teams, testing their adaptability and setups. Fans should watch closely as this race could shake up the standings and showcase how well teams manage new circuits under pressure, adding a thrilling dimension to the championship.
