Vierge and Lecuona face challenges on day 1 of the Catalan WorldSBK round

"After the test we completed here last week, we tried a setup change this morning, but we didn't like it very much. So, we reverted back and focused on maximizing what we have at the moment. For the second session, we fine-tuned things with the rear of the bike, and this change allowed me to be more consistent. We’re definitely not where we want to be, that’s clear, but at least we now have a consistent pace, which is going to be very important at this track in terms of saving the tyre until the end of the race. Temperatures changed from morning to afternoon, but it affected us less than expected. The grip wasn't good for us in the morning, but it didn't worsen in the afternoon, and so this is something we’ve improved compared to testing, where we struggled much more in the afternoon once temperatures increased. That wasn't the case today, so let's take this as a positive, although we still have a lot to work on, generally speaking."

"In terms of my physical condition, I still feel fatigued due to the pain I continue to experience at certain moments and because I missed a month of my usual training. I’m really feeling the effects, and I'm well aware that I’ll struggle during tomorrow's race, especially in the second half. I'm prepared for the challenge though and will do it the best I can. As for the bike, I tried to approach my work with a cool, calm head, but I also felt very frustrated, especially this afternoon when nothing seemed to work as we wanted it to. I must say thanks to my team for being there for me during those moments. I know I can be fast at this track, as I always have been. But not being able to find a way to push as I would like and to be fast is very difficult to accept. I think we’re doing OK with regard to braking but overall, we are far behind. It's not easy, but all we can do is keep working and see if we can find something tomorrow."