ambassadors
Earlier this week we joined the official Honda Racing Corporation team launch on the 2022 WSBK season. The team might have the youngest team on the starting grid, but they are loaded with confidence and fully supported by the whole Honda family. The talented Spanish riders Xavi Vierge and Iker Lecuona will defend the red, white, and blue Honda colors during the 2022 WSBK season and are aiming for the Championship’s crown. As the technical and preferred lubrication partner of Honda Racing Corporation in the WSBK competition, Motul is contributing to the success and reliability of the CBR1000RR-R. We had a talk with HRC’s team manager Leon Camier and HRC’s director Tetsuhiro Kuwata on how they see the team’s future.
Leon, as a team manager, how do you feel about the coming season?
It’s always a challenge and running the team has been more work than I anticipated beforehand. Of course, I had a lot of experience as a rider, but I learned a lot last year in my new role, trying to keep the overview as a team manager and pushing the team to get good results during the season. As both riders for 2022 are new, I can share my WSBK-experience with them and help them improve.
You have the youngest team on the grid, yet you are aiming for the Championships title?
Yes, we are. We are confident and I think we ought to be. The CBR1000RR-R is celebrating its 30th anniversary and the model has been perfectioned with every model update. We put our trust in Xavi and Iker, and I was really impressed with their speed during the test days and their capability of providing useful feedback on the bike setup. Of course, we are in a challenging competition and there is a lot of talent on the grid, but nevertheless we are confident to make a solid chance to be at the podium at the end of the season. We simply like to set ambitious goals for the team.
What improvements did you make to the new bikes during the season?
Well, let’s say that is internal kitchen, as the competition is reading with us (laughs). What I can say is that we worked hard during the winter season, and the European crew collaborated closely with the factory engineers in Japan to have the CBR1000RR-R perform at its maximum level. We have been testing a lot during the winter season and as the first round in Aragon Motorland is quite late this year, Xavi and Iker have the chance to do a lot of testing to get acquainted to the bike and to become confident to ride the bike at its best.
How is a technical partner as Motul contributing to the success of the HRC team in the WSBK competition?
Due to the WSBK regulations, we are only allowed to use seven engines throughout the whole season. So, besides performance, reliability is key for us when we collaborate with technical partners. Motul’s lubrications are contributing to that reliability and the longevity of our race engines, which are being pushed to its maximum redline every race. And especially this season, where we will have three races during one race weekend. A reliable lubrication partner where we can closely collaborate with is key to our final success, we cannot afford to lose engines or have a lot of breakdowns.
Mr. Kuwata, 2022 is quite a special year for Honda, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the iconic ‘Fireblade’ and the third year in the WSBK season, starting with high ambitions. How are you looking forward to this celebration year?
Being on the podium is our target. It is not a simple goal, but the approach to reach the top is important. 2022 will be our third year in the WSBK season. We are always working with professionalism and as one ‘Honda family’, respecting each other, stepping forward in the same direction. Many people think we took a challenge with this young team, but we rather think in terms of speed, which Xavi and Iker successfully demonstrated in their MotoGP and Moto2 careers. Both riders are very hungry for the victory and want to show their potential.
The CBR1000RR-R has built up a huge share of fans over the world since its launch. How important is it for Honda to be present in the WSBK championship?
We have reasons to celebrate, as the bike is supported by millions of fans around the globe. We want to repay our clients’ loyalty to the brand by winning races again. It’s going to be tough, but our riders and engineers never give up. I believe we can win. On top of that it’s not only about winning, but also about sharing emotional moments with the fans all around the globe. We’re looking forward to it.
