Vierge works to adapt to heat as Lecuona battles physical challenges on Day 1 in Australia

The Honda HRC team officially kickstarted its 2025 campaign today, taking part in the opening sessions of the first Superbike World Championship round at the Phillip Island Circuit in Australia. Facing significantly hotter conditions compared to the recent test, Vierge worked hard with his team to adapt his bike’s setup. Meanwhile, Lecuona continues to recover day by day, though his physical condition is still far from ideal.

On track this morning for the event’s first free practice, factory riders Xavi Vierge and Iker Lecuona picked up where they left off during testing at the same Australian circuit earlier this week. Vierge worked methodically with his technicians to adapt to the changed conditions, particularly in terms of temperature and grip, completing 18 laps during this initial 40-minute session and ultimately setting a best lap time of 1’30.381, to place thirteenth.

On the other side of the garage, and still not 100% fit following a training accident in January, Lecuona put in a total of 20 laps, the best of which in 1’31.151, working systematically to make setup adjustments that can make him more comfortable around this circuit.

The factory pair were back on track mid-afternoon for FP2. On a hotter track (34°), the riders continued working on their CBR1000RR-R machines in preparation for the weekend’s three races. Having slightly improved on his morning reference already during the first exit, Vierge continued to refine his performance, setting a best lap of 1’30.205 in the final minutes. He closed Friday in sixteenth place, but just over four-tenths off a top six spot in what was an extremely close classification.

Similarly, teammate Lecuona managed to improve his best time by half a second, setting a fastest lap of 1’30.676 to place eighteenth in the combined standings. This was despite the challenges posed by pain in his left shoulder and some lack of physical power due to his limited time on the bike over the winter break.

Tomorrow riders will return to the track for a final practice, Superpole qualifying and the first of the weekend’s races. The two full-length races will run over a distance of 20 laps and follow a flag-to-flag format, as mandated by the FIM and DWO.