Iker Lecuona's Ducati WorldSBK Debut: A Revelation in Riding Style!
It seems new Ducati WorldSBK rider Iker Lecuona has unlocked a crucial secret to taming the powerful Panigale V4 R. After a recent test at Phillip Island, Lecuona shared his insights, revealing that the key to success with this machine isn't brute force, but a more nuanced approach. You cannot attack, he stated, a sentiment that might surprise many.
This past week, from February 16th to 17th, provided Lecuona with his first real taste of the Panigale V4 R in dry conditions since his initial shakedown in Jerez back in October, following the conclusion of the 2025 World Superbike season. This extended period of testing is vital for a rider transitioning to a new bike and team.
On Tuesday, Lecuona described the conditions as a significant step up in difficulty compared to the previous day. The wind picked up considerably, and the temperatures soared, creating a more challenging environment. But here's where it gets beneficial... Lecuona found these tougher conditions to be surprisingly helpful. He believes they allowed him to better grasp the unique, flowing riding style that the Ducati demands. "It’s tricky to manage all the situations; also the conditions today were harder to ride because it’s hotter but also the wind was stronger," Lecuona admitted to WorldSBK.com. "But that helped me to learn to ride the bike, honestly; that bike you need to flow, you can’t attack, so I learnt a lot during today."
And this is the part most people miss... Lecuona feels he's on the cusp of discovering a solid base setup for the bike. He utilized the less aggressive tire compounds available during the test to achieve this, which is particularly important since the softer, faster tires won't be permitted during the actual race weekend. "We found almost the base, also with that tyre that you can use during the race weekend," he confirmed. He's already feeling competitive and consistent, running with the main group. "During these two days we did good steps, every run, every day, every [session] we improved and we give that performance." A significant factor in his progress is that he worked independently, without relying on references from other riders. "I worked alone, I didn’t take the reference from anyone – that’s important because in a track like Phillip Island the reference makes a big difference. So, we have extra margin."
Lecuona also expressed his gratitude towards the Aruba.it Racing Ducati team for their supportive and pressure-free approach during preseason. He feels that his preseason has been significantly compressed, especially given the limited track time in Europe due to wet January tests. "My preseason started yesterday and finished today," he quipped, before amending, "Maybe it finishes on Sunday after the race."
He elaborated, "I need to say thanks to the team, to everyone, they didn’t put any pressure on me. Everyone understood that the bike is new, but for me it’s double new that the team and I come from a completely different bike, different electronics, so I need more time to understand." Despite the challenges, he's pleased with the progress. "But we did a really good job. Like I said I think my preseason finishes on Sunday, so also I didn’t do any proper long run with 22 laps that is the race [distance]. So, during the race, maybe Saturday I have some problems, we will try to solve for Sunday. So, we need to learn, keep working that is the key, but if I need to put a [number] for yesterday and today, honestly I think like a nine [out of 10]. I’m quite confident and so happy with the job."
Now, over to you! Lecuona's emphasis on a flowing, non-aggressive riding style with the Ducati Panigale V4 R is a fascinating insight. Do you agree that the key to mastering this powerful machine lies in restraint rather than outright attack? Or do you believe a more aggressive approach is still viable? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your perspective!
