The “target” achieved by one Ducati rider at Portuguese WorldSBK

Iker Lecuona’s “real target” was achieved by the Spaniard at the Portuguese WorldSBK, he says.

Lecuona scored three podiums in Portugal, his first three with the factory Ducati team and as many in one weekend as he scored in four seasons with Honda.

The Spaniard was around two seconds away from the winner, his teammate Nicolo Bulega, in all three races, but he said afterwards that aiming for victories is not his “real target at the moment.

“There’s nothing to say,” Iker Lecuona told WorldSBK.com after Race 2 in Portimao.

“Three P2s for me right now is the real target. Today, Miguel [Oliveira] was closer to us; we had a similar pace, and my starts weren’t the best, so I need to work on some things, but in any case, I’m very happy. 

“I’m really happy for the team as well. We became the first team to be 1-2 all weekend in the races and Superpole session. 

“The bike on Sunday was incredible, my performance was better today and my confidence is growing. It’s only my second round with this bike, so I’m really happy. 

“We have the performance to fight for a top-two finish.

“Nicolo [Bulega] has a step; a big congratulations for him for going six for six so far this season.”

Lecuona also attracted the praise of his teammate, Bulega, with whom Lecuona helped the factory Ducati team make a bit of World Superbike history by going 1-2 in all three races as well as Superpole – the first team to achieve the feat since the Superpole Race was introduced in 2019.

“I’m very happy for my team, and they deserve it,” Bulega told WorldSBK.com.

“Iker [Lecuona] is very strong; he deserves to fight for the podium. 

“He’s on the best bike, so he has everything he needs to be fast and he’s showing his potential.”

Lecuona now sits second in the standings and 56 points behind Bulega at the top. The Italian is unbeaten since he won Race 2 at Estoril last October.