From the Ducati GP25 to the GP26: Lecuona notices significant differences

The switch from the Ducati GP25 to the GP26 presented Iker Lecuona with a new challenge in Qatar – the Spaniard explains how the bikes differ

Iker Lecuona had to adapt to a different Ducati during the MotoGP weekend in Qatar. Having previously ridden Fermin Aldeguer’s GP25, the Spaniard took over Alex Márquez’s bike in Lusail, who has the latest specification of the Desmosedici at his disposal.

When asked about the differences between the two Ducati versions, Lecuona explains: “It feels different, definitely different. You have to adopt a slightly different riding style. You can already see from the aerodynamics that there are differences, and I can feel them on the bike too.”

The Superbike rider has recently made several appearances for Gresini-Ducati. In Australia and Malaysia, he stood in for the injured Aldeguer, and finally for Marquez in Lusail. This meant he switched from the GP25 to the GP26 within a short space of time.

Switching to the current Ducati “wasn’t easy”

The switch came at an inopportune time for the 26-year-old. After several weeks on the same machine, he had to adapt to a completely different set-up immediately before the Qatar weekend. “After two, almost three weeks on the same motorbike, it wasn’t easy to suddenly switch to this one, adapt to it and learn everything,” admits Lecuona.

Despite the extra work, his personal assessment is positive. The Spaniard regards the weekend as an important learning opportunity and rates his own performance accordingly: “If I had to give myself a mark for this test this weekend, I’d give myself almost a nine out of ten.”

“I think I’ve learnt a great deal and improved significantly. What’s more, I’m really enjoying it, and that’s the most important thing,” says Lecuona, who scored points twice – finishing ninth in the Sprint and tenth in the Grand Prix race.

MotoGP experience as an advantage for the Superbike World Championship

The 26-year-old normally rides for the Ducati works team in the World Superbike Championship. He also sees his MotoGP campaign as providing valuable insights for his future in that series.

When asked what specific insights he could take back to the Superbike World Championship, he cites several areas: “The way to brake on Michelin tyres, tyre management and how to use my body on the motorbike.”

“I’m also learning to better understand what I’m still lacking on the motorbike.” It is precisely these experiences that could pay off in the long term, especially as the Superbike World Championship will be switching from Pirelli to Michelin tyres next season.