From Motegi, Iker Lecuona will replace Dominique Aegerter in the CarXpert Interwetten team until the end of the season, and more than likely next season as well.
This very young Spanish driver who is racing this year in the FIM CEV European Championship has already been able to do two Grands Prix replacing the Swiss driver who injured his shoulder; Silverstone and Misano. At 16 years old, he has just finished his first year on a speed bike, which, given his times in an extremely competitive category, already allows him to be classified among the very good hopes for the years to come, especially since the very recent layoff of Dominique Aegerter now opens up a “royal” path for him in the Grand Prix.
Iker, can you briefly tell us about your journey?
“I was born on January 6, 2000 in Valencia and my father was racing. So I started to like motorcycles very young and, little by little, I got into it too, starting with the MiniMoto from 2008/2009 then various regional championships with a Kawasaki 65 and 85cc at speeds in the SuperMotard style. »
The first speed motorcycle?
“In 2012 I tried a Pre-Moto3 in Navarre and I did two races. The following year, I raced in Pre-Moto3 until the middle of the season then I returned to SuperMotard to achieve the title of Spanish champion in 2015. At the end of last season, I was called up for ride in CEV Moto2 in the Swiss Junior Team to do the races in Navarra and Valencia on a Suter. It was quite a good start since I was able to score points three times in four races. »
Why does a Moto2 team call on a SuperMotard rider?
“I have a mechanic friend who was in this team and who had seen me ride when I was younger. He gave my name and they called me. »
When you are called to do speed, do you still prefer the SuperMotard discipline?
" No. I've always loved speed. What happened was that I broke my tibia and fibula in August 2013 and had to stop riding for 6 months. Then, to resume training, the SuperMotard was both the easiest, the most accessible in terms of circuits, and the most economical. So I continued. »
How was the contact with the Grand Prix CarXpert Interwetten structure?
“In fact, they monitor a bit of everything that is happening in the different championships, and they spotted me on the videos broadcast by the FIM CEVRepsol. So during last winter, they spoke with a former member of their team who was then working in the Swiss Junior Team. The idea was that CarXpert would bring the bike, their know-how and a small budget, with the rest of the financing coming from elsewhere.
There were several meetings during the Jerez GP with CarXpert and Aspar, who was also interested in the adventure, to find a solution since, due to lack of resources, I was not able to do the first race of the European championship FIM CEV. The solution could be found for the rest of the season using Sébastien Gimbert's structure, Race Experience. »
Between the FIM CEV championship and the replacements of Dominique Aegerter in the Grand Prix, we can consider this as a first professional year. How do you experience it?
“What pleases me the most is not the splendor of the Grands Prix but the fact that I can work really well. By riding regularly, I can gradually improve my driving and I'm really happy with it. »
It's very difficult ?
" Yes. Yes. In the FIM championship, it's not easier but I'm about a small second slower than the best drivers, which allows me to get into the top five drivers. In Grands Prix, I am still almost in the bottom but the truth is that since Silverstone I have improved greatly and I am very happy. »
Have you been able to determine the points in your riding that still require improvement?
“No (laughs). For the moment, I still have to take some wheels to see that my trajectories and my braking can be improved, but on my own, I don't always realize it. Now I can get through a turn well, following someone or not, but I can't do it on every turn yet. For this, many more kilometers are needed. To give you an example, Moto2 riders who already have several years in the category behind them arrive before the Asian tour with sometimes up to 12 kilometers of riding. Me, between the FIM CEV and my replacements in GP, I'm barely at 000. So I have to ride…”
What stands out to you the most in Grand Prix?
" It is a dream. I particularly enjoy it because it usually takes money to get there and stay there. So I never thought it was possible that I would be there one day. And there, I see that those who paid to be there are ultimately not faster than me, which is reassuring. Afterwards, what surprised me the most, and pleasantly, was the way the whole team treats me, all the attention they give me. It's really nice and allows you to progress. »
If the opportunity to stay in Grand Prix had not presented itself, what would have happened?
" Nothing. I would have stayed in the FIM CEV Championship to continue learning, hoping that an opportunity would arise to return to GP. »
Do you sleep well at night, or does all this stress you out?
“I sleep very well (laughs) and I don’t have any stress problems. »
What are your short-term objectives in GP, on circuits that you don't know?
“Be in the points soon or at least pretty close. »
In FIM CEV, we have often seen you in the forefront at the start of the race, then having to gradually downgrade. For what ?
“When the tires are new I feel very good on the bike, but as the tires wear, the bike takes more and more movement and it costs me more and more to control it. I'm less comfortable and I probably have to work on my position on the bike at these times. »
In GP, we noticed during the sessions that the other Spanish drivers did not want to “pull” you to learn the circuits. For what ?
“(Laughs). I don't know. I guess they don't like me being half a second away from them as soon as I arrive. »
Do you know the other Spanish Moto2 riders?
" Yes. I often train, on 65cc Kawasakis or stock 125ccs, with Edgar and Axel Pons, Julian Simon, Isaac Vinales and a few others. »
But here, they don't help you?
“No (laughs). »
