{"id":2039191,"date":"2026-07-11T18:49:28","date_gmt":"2026-07-11T15:49:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2039191"},"modified":"2026-07-11T18:49:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-11T15:49:28","slug":"how-a-horrible-track-became-the-site-of-iker-lecuonas-historic-first-worldsbk-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2039191","title":{"rendered":"How a \u201chorrible\u201d track became the site of Iker Lecuona\u2019s historic first WorldSBK win"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08328.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>How a \u201chorrible\u201d track became the site of Iker Lecuona\u2019s historic first WorldSBK win<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Iker Lecuona\u2019s first WorldSBK win came at a circuit where he\u2019d missed the top-10 for the past three years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Alex Whitworth <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-07-11T19:49:28+01:00\">11 Jul 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08328.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08328.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08328.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08328.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08328.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08328.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08328.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08328.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08328.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Iker Lecuona, 2026 UK WorldSBK, podium. Credit: Tony Goldsmith.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<aside>\n<div class=\"preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div>  Prefer Crash.Net on Google <\/div>\n<div> See our stories more often<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"button\">  Add <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Iker Lecuona\u2019s first WorldSBK win was history-making and history-breaking, and it also turned around completely his fortunes at a circuit he found \u201chorrible\u201d before 2026.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Lecuona joined WorldSBK in 2022 with Honda. That year he had what turned out to be his best results at Donington before Race 1 of the 2026 edition, finishing in the top-10 in all three races, with a best of seventh in the Superpole Race.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Since 2022, Lecuona was unable to return to the top-10 at the UK Round with Honda. After winning aboard Ducati and breaking the 25-race win streak of Nicolo Bulega, the Spaniard admitted to finding the British circuit \u201chorrible\u201d with the CBR1000RR-R.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Iker Lecuona leads Nicolo Bulega, 2026 UK WorldSBK Race 1. Credit: Tony Goldsmith.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cBut with the other brand [Honda], before, it was horrible that track [Donington], honestly,\u201d Iker Lecuona said after Race 1.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt was very difficult and that bike works well in other tracks, it\u2019s just that myself that I need to put all of the pieces together.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cStep-by-step we understand more. Yesterday the bike was not working; this morning we did a big change, but the bike worked directly.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, we started to understand a little bit. Also, my comments to the team, I\u2019m a bit more precise to take the way.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">From Superpole it was clear that Lecuona\u2019s and Bulega\u2019s strengths were different. Bulega excelled in the flowing first half of the track, while Lecuona was better in the stop-start final sector.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Iker Lecuona, 2026 UK WorldSBK. Credit: Tony Goldsmith.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This proved a key in the race, because Lecuona was able to put himself out of reach in the heavy braking zones at the end of the lap where overtaking is less risky compared to the faster parts of the track.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI knew Nicolo was faster in the first part of the track, but I\u2019m faster in the second part of the track,\u201d said Lecuona.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, I\u2019m stronger in the points that he can overtake, that is braking, and when he tried always he went wide, so I tried to go inside again.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e0bb10e4d226be84fbabbab2c4163f5d33563c869d0d7d0a4eb122a0fb196c82\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>Nicolo Bulega loses: The end of WorldSBK history, but \u201cnot the end of the world\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cFeeling is not like I want\u201d but Nicolo Bulega starts UK WorldSBK in dominant form<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cJust I did one mistake that I almost went to the grass on the back straight and he overtook me on the braking, he went a bit wide and I did like a block pass, but I needed to fight.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cHonestly, it was nice to fight with him, also because he did it a little bit with me, but we are [&#8230;] always with that margin to say \u2018We are team-mates and we don\u2019t want to crash\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cAlso, one or two laps before the end he went too fast inside and he told me \u2018I didn\u2019t want to, but it\u2019s just that I braked too late\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, honestly, I\u2019m really happy about that fight and also I\u2019m really happy because we did a really good job on the bike. I feel good, I feel comfortable \u2013 still I miss something, honestly, but we did a step, we found a victory, and we are happy.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Iker Lecuona leads Nicolo Bulega, 2026 UK WorldSBK Race 1. Credit: Tony Goldsmith.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Lecuona\u2019s win also came after a tough Misano round where he was further away from Bulega than he\u2019d been since the first round at Phillip Island.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Work with his psychologist proved key for Lecuona to \u201creset\u201d his mentality.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cDuring the year, I say always that every time I jump on the bike I\u2019m closer and closer,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt\u2019s true, Misano I [&#8230;] expected more from myself. I said that it\u2019s not that I\u2019m not happy with the second, I\u2019m not happy about my performance \u2013 I said many times in Misano.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cBut then with my psychologist I tried to reset my mind and tried to enjoy finishing second.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, of course, this morning in the Superpole [when Lecuona was beaten to pole by Bulega by 0.042 seconds] I\u2019m a bit disappointed that I did a mistake, but we are with him [Bulega], less than a tenth, and finally we found a victory.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cEven if today we are second, I can be happy because we are leading in the race, we fight with him, and in the end he is the reference and we can beat him.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, for me it\u2019s the important thing: we arrive; and let\u2019s see tomorrow if we can stay with that progression.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-field-keywords block-layout-builder\">\n<h2>Tags:<\/h2>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Iker Lecuona<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Aruba.it Racing &#8211; Ducati<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3> Previous <span>Article<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_plain\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Why \u201cspecial\u201d UK WorldSBK P5 had perfect timing for Tommy Bridewell <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <span>Article<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_plain\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Nicolo Bulega loses: The end of WorldSBK history, but \u201cnot the end of the world\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-0cb13e497cd72630dee283c4f6144997e497445327d9631f7fbf269df5740722\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/picture-alex-w.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/picture-alex-w.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/picture-alex-w.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Alex Whitworth<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">Journalist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Alex joined the Crash.net team in August of 2024 having covered consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown for two years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>Related Articles<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-888e6adab307815e0f5b7b25f56e39f1cc0bb2f98b96dfaa5aaebeb39b614ca6\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> World Superbikes  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cQuite tricky\u201d: Donington WorldSBK practice a struggle Iker Lecuona <\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07821.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Iker Lecuona, 2026 UK WorldSBK. Credit: Tony Goldsmith.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> World Superbikes  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Iker Lecuona \u201cfrustrated\u201d as Nicolo Bulega remains unbeatable at Misano WorldSBK<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1325000_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Iker Lecuona, 2026 Emilia-Romagna WorldSBK, podium. Credit: Gold and Goose.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> World Superbikes  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Two more WorldSBK records for Nicolo Bulega after \u201cincredible\u201d Misano weekend<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1325043_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Nicolo Bulega, 2026 Emilia-Romagna WorldSBK. Credit: Gold and Goose.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> World Superbikes  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;Incredible&#8221;: Nicolo Bulega\u2019s WorldSBK dominance at its strongest at Misano<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324658_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Nicolo Bulega, 2026 Emilia-Romagna WorldSBK, podium. Credit: Gold and Goose.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> World Superbikes  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Alex Lowes breaks key Ducati streak despite Misano WorldSBK yellow flag chaos<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324599_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Alex Lowes, 2026 Emilia-Romagna WorldSBK, parc ferme interview. Credit: Gold and Goose.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> World Superbikes  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Iker Lecuona explains Misano WorldSBK crash: \u2018I didn\u2019t make a mistake\u2019<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324293_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Iker Lecuona, 2026 Emilia-Romagna WorldSBK, pit box. Credit: Gold and Goose.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>Latest News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-2df33a681048e2838ff941c5456845423b9448e41eba160730a0a610f159a132\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Nicolo Bulega loses: The end of WorldSBK history, but \u201cnot the end of the world\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783797026\"> 7h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/nicolo-bulega-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-02966.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/nicolo-bulega-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-02966.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/nicolo-bulega-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-02966.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How a \u201chorrible\u201d track became the site of Iker Lecuona\u2019s historic first WorldSBK win<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783795768\"> 7h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08328.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08328.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08328.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why \u201cspecial\u201d UK WorldSBK P5 had perfect timing for Tommy Bridewell<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783794065\"> 7h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1332634_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1332634_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1332634_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ducati rider ruled out of UK WorldSBK with shoulder problem<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783764481\"> 16h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1332572_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1332572_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1332572_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cFeeling is not like I want\u201d but Nicolo Bulega starts UK WorldSBK in dominant form<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783712904\"> 10\/07\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/nicolo-bulega-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07327.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/nicolo-bulega-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07327.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/nicolo-bulega-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07327.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>More News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-c6d02feb0847ec031d107e16cba0be13c307e6e108d3392b168667099da7da4f\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cWe are slow everywhere\u201d: Danilo Petrucci bemoans lack of BMW pace at UK WorldSBK<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783711547\"> 10\/07\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/danilo-petrucci-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-09888.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/danilo-petrucci-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-09888.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/danilo-petrucci-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-09888.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cQuite tricky\u201d: Donington WorldSBK practice a struggle Iker Lecuona <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783709374\"> 10\/07\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07821.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07821.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07821.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>WorldSBK warned it\u2019s \u201carriving at a dangerous point\u201d amid continued Ducati dominance<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783708241\"> 10\/07\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/nicolo-bulega-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-09089.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/nicolo-bulega-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-09089.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/nicolo-bulega-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-09089.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Sam Lowes expecting \u201cemotional\u201d UK WorldSBK after team owner death<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783619475\"> 09\/07\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1331366_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1331366_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1331366_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Failed Aragon WorldSBK \u2018helped\u2019 Jake Dixon despite early withdrawal<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783618157\"> 09\/07\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1331397_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1331397_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1331397_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Iker Lecuona\u2019s first WorldSBK win came at a circuit where he\u2019d missed the top-10 for the past three years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Iker Lecuona\u2019s first WorldSBK win was history-making and history-breaking, and it also turned around completely his fortunes at a circuit he found \u201chorrible\u201d before 2026.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Lecuona joined WorldSBK in 2022 with Honda. That year he had what turned out to be his best results at Donington before Race 1 of the 2026 edition, finishing in the top-10 in all three races, with a best of seventh in the Superpole Race.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Since 2022, Lecuona was unable to return to the top-10 at the UK Round with Honda. After winning aboard Ducati and breaking the 25-race win streak of Nicolo Bulega, the Spaniard admitted to finding the British circuit \u201chorrible\u201d with the CBR1000RR-R.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Iker Lecuona leads Nicolo Bulega, 2026 UK WorldSBK Race 1. Credit: Tony Goldsmith.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cBut with the other brand [Honda], before, it was horrible that track [Donington], honestly,\u201d Iker Lecuona said after Race 1.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt was very difficult and that bike works well in other tracks, it\u2019s just that myself that I need to put all of the pieces together.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cStep-by-step we understand more. Yesterday the bike was not working; this morning we did a big change, but the bike worked directly.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, we started to understand a little bit. Also, my comments to the team, I\u2019m a bit more precise to take the way.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">From Superpole it was clear that Lecuona\u2019s and Bulega\u2019s strengths were different. Bulega excelled in the flowing first half of the track, while Lecuona was better in the stop-start final sector.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Iker Lecuona, 2026 UK WorldSBK. Credit: Tony Goldsmith.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This proved a key in the race, because Lecuona was able to put himself out of reach in the heavy braking zones at the end of the lap where overtaking is less risky compared to the faster parts of the track.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI knew Nicolo was faster in the first part of the track, but I\u2019m faster in the second part of the track,\u201d said Lecuona.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, I\u2019m stronger in the points that he can overtake, that is braking, and when he tried always he went wide, so I tried to go inside again.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e0bb10e4d226be84fbabbab2c4163f5d33563c869d0d7d0a4eb122a0fb196c82\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>Nicolo Bulega loses: The end of WorldSBK history, but \u201cnot the end of the world\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cFeeling is not like I want\u201d but Nicolo Bulega starts UK WorldSBK in dominant form<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cJust I did one mistake that I almost went to the grass on the back straight and he overtook me on the braking, he went a bit wide and I did like a block pass, but I needed to fight.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cHonestly, it was nice to fight with him, also because he did it a little bit with me, but we are [&#8230;] always with that margin to say \u2018We are team-mates and we don\u2019t want to crash\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cAlso, one or two laps before the end he went too fast inside and he told me \u2018I didn\u2019t want to, but it\u2019s just that I braked too late\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, honestly, I\u2019m really happy about that fight and also I\u2019m really happy because we did a really good job on the bike. I feel good, I feel comfortable \u2013 still I miss something, honestly, but we did a step, we found a victory, and we are happy.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Iker Lecuona leads Nicolo Bulega, 2026 UK WorldSBK Race 1. Credit: Tony Goldsmith.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Lecuona\u2019s win also came after a tough Misano round where he was further away from Bulega than he\u2019d been since the first round at Phillip Island.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Work with his psychologist proved key for Lecuona to \u201creset\u201d his mentality.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cDuring the year, I say always that every time I jump on the bike I\u2019m closer and closer,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt\u2019s true, Misano I [&#8230;] expected more from myself. I said that it\u2019s not that I\u2019m not happy with the second, I\u2019m not happy about my performance \u2013 I said many times in Misano.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cBut then with my psychologist I tried to reset my mind and tried to enjoy finishing second.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, of course, this morning in the Superpole [when Lecuona was beaten to pole by Bulega by 0.042 seconds] I\u2019m a bit disappointed that I did a mistake, but we are with him [Bulega], less than a tenth, and finally we found a victory.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cEven if today we are second, I can be happy because we are leading in the race, we fight with him, and in the end he is the reference and we can beat him.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, for me it\u2019s the important thing: we arrive; and let\u2019s see tomorrow if we can stay with that progression.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Iker Lecuona\u2019s first WorldSBK win was history-making and history-breaking, and it also turned around completely his fortunes at a circuit he found \u201chorrible\u201d before 2026.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Lecuona joined WorldSBK in 2022 with Honda. That year he had what turned out to be his best results at Donington before Race 1 of the 2026 edition, finishing in the top-10 in all three races, with a best of seventh in the Superpole Race.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Since 2022, Lecuona was unable to return to the top-10 at the UK Round with Honda. After winning aboard Ducati and breaking the 25-race win streak of Nicolo Bulega, the Spaniard admitted to finding the British circuit \u201chorrible\u201d with the CBR1000RR-R.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-07924.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Iker Lecuona leads Nicolo Bulega, 2026 UK WorldSBK Race 1. Credit: Tony Goldsmith.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cBut with the other brand [Honda], before, it was horrible that track [Donington], honestly,\u201d Iker Lecuona said after Race 1.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt was very difficult and that bike works well in other tracks, it\u2019s just that myself that I need to put all of the pieces together.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cStep-by-step we understand more. Yesterday the bike was not working; this morning we did a big change, but the bike worked directly.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, we started to understand a little bit. Also, my comments to the team, I\u2019m a bit more precise to take the way.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">From Superpole it was clear that Lecuona\u2019s and Bulega\u2019s strengths were different. Bulega excelled in the flowing first half of the track, while Lecuona was better in the stop-start final sector.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-00997.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Iker Lecuona, 2026 UK WorldSBK. Credit: Tony Goldsmith.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This proved a key in the race, because Lecuona was able to put himself out of reach in the heavy braking zones at the end of the lap where overtaking is less risky compared to the faster parts of the track.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI knew Nicolo was faster in the first part of the track, but I\u2019m faster in the second part of the track,\u201d said Lecuona.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, I\u2019m stronger in the points that he can overtake, that is braking, and when he tried always he went wide, so I tried to go inside again.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e0bb10e4d226be84fbabbab2c4163f5d33563c869d0d7d0a4eb122a0fb196c82\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>Nicolo Bulega loses: The end of WorldSBK history, but \u201cnot the end of the world\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cFeeling is not like I want\u201d but Nicolo Bulega starts UK WorldSBK in dominant form<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cJust I did one mistake that I almost went to the grass on the back straight and he overtook me on the braking, he went a bit wide and I did like a block pass, but I needed to fight.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cHonestly, it was nice to fight with him, also because he did it a little bit with me, but we are [&#8230;] always with that margin to say \u2018We are team-mates and we don\u2019t want to crash\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cAlso, one or two laps before the end he went too fast inside and he told me \u2018I didn\u2019t want to, but it\u2019s just that I braked too late\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, honestly, I\u2019m really happy about that fight and also I\u2019m really happy because we did a really good job on the bike. I feel good, I feel comfortable \u2013 still I miss something, honestly, but we did a step, we found a victory, and we are happy.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08237.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Iker Lecuona leads Nicolo Bulega, 2026 UK WorldSBK Race 1. Credit: Tony Goldsmith.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Lecuona\u2019s win also came after a tough Misano round where he was further away from Bulega than he\u2019d been since the first round at Phillip Island.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Work with his psychologist proved key for Lecuona to \u201creset\u201d his mentality.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cDuring the year, I say always that every time I jump on the bike I\u2019m closer and closer,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt\u2019s true, Misano I [&#8230;] expected more from myself. I said that it\u2019s not that I\u2019m not happy with the second, I\u2019m not happy about my performance \u2013 I said many times in Misano.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cBut then with my psychologist I tried to reset my mind and tried to enjoy finishing second.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, of course, this morning in the Superpole [when Lecuona was beaten to pole by Bulega by 0.042 seconds] I\u2019m a bit disappointed that I did a mistake, but we are with him [Bulega], less than a tenth, and finally we found a victory.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cEven if today we are second, I can be happy because we are leading in the race, we fight with him, and in the end he is the reference and we can beat him.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, for me it\u2019s the important thing: we arrive; and let\u2019s see tomorrow if we can stay with that progression.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/wsbk\/news\/1100835\/1\/how-horrible-track-became-site-iker-lecuonas-historic-first-worldsbk-win&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/iker-lecuona-2026-donington-park-worldsbk-08328.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] How a \u201chorrible\u201d track became the site of Iker Lecuona\u2019s historic first WorldSBK win Iker Lecuona\u2019s first WorldSBK win came at a circuit where he\u2019d missed the top-10 for the past three years. Alex Whitworth 11 Jul 2026 Share Iker Lecuona, 2026 UK WorldSBK, podium. Credit: Tony Goldsmith. Prefer Crash.Net on Google [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-2039191","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2039191","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2039191"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2039191\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2039191"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2039191"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2039191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}