Rookies Vierge and Lecuona 10th and 11th on day 1 at Most despite challenges posed by a demanding new track

The sixth Superbike World Championship is now in play at the Autodrom Most in the Czech Republic, where Team HRC riders Xavi Vierge and Iker Lecuona have completed the day’s first free practice sessions.

Having not visited the track before, both Lecuona and Vierge needed to first get a handle on the track. The duo therefore used the opening session to focus on gaining confidence with the layout, assisted by the almost ideal weather conditions. Lecuona rounded out the practice in eighth place with an impressive 1’32.708, less than one second from the front on his very first outing at the Czech circuit. Vierge closed thirteenth thanks to a fastest time of 1’33.664, which he set at the end of a session where the priority was very much about learning the track.

Immediately very fast out of the blocks as the afternoon session got underway, Iker unfortunately suffered a high side at turn 7 on what was just his third lap, the Spaniard losing the rear through the fast change of direction. Iker was taken to the medical center to be checked over and was fortunate not to sustain any serious injuries. But he did miss out on the chance to get back on his bike and improve his lap times. He therefore finished the day in eleventh position overall thanks to his best time of the morning’s session. Vierge meanwhile made the most of the 45-minute phase, soon improving on his earlier times and continuing to make progress throughout. A best of 1’32.523 set in the final minutes propelled him into overall tenth place at the end of this first day of action.