Team💫 HRC riders Lecuona and Xavi Vierge took part in a two-day test♔ at Suzuka in preparation for next month’s race.

And while the team ended fastest due to Testuta Nagashima setting the best lap time in session s൲ix, the two WorldSBK riders struggled to hit the𒅌ir target lap times. 

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"I did a long run i𒉰n the morning, but my feeling wasn’t as good compared to last year, and I could not reach the average time I wanted," said Lecuona. "Compared to yesterday, today we are close ๊to where we were last year, so I am not that worried. 

"I will make adjustments for the race weekend🧔 and make sure I reach my target times. 

"I still remember the thrill of last year's victory, and I will do my best to experience that joy once again🎶."

Not the first test he’s taken part in during the lead-up💎 to his maiden Suzuka 8 hour race, Vierge found the CBR1000RR-R difficult to handle as the seating position was not to his liking. 

Vierge added: "I had the impression that the bike was a bit difficult to ride because the seat position was different from the previous test. I could not reach my target tiꦕme and could not keep my average at a consistent level. 

"The large number of bikes on track ꦕand𒀰 the heat did not help, but I think that the experience of this run was important for the race. 

"I was not a rider in last year’s race but supported everyone in the pits, so I hav🌺e a strong desire to race. 

"This year, I want to celebrate winning with everyone, and I am proud to be on a team t🌠hat can do that. I look forward to the race and I’ll be back."

As mentioned above, Nagashima was fas💧test for the Japanese manufacturers he rode alongside Lecuona, Vierge and Takumi Takahashi.

Nagashima has been affected by injury so far in 2023, but after being the🦄 star of the show last season, the former Moto2 rider is now hoping to race for the team despite Lecuona, Vierge and Taka🍰hashi being confirmed as the official line-up. 

Nagashima said: "For me, the main purpose of the test was to check my physical condition. I think tod🥃ay was fulfilling 💝as I was able to do long runs and record the fastest time. 

"I think I was able to do all the things a rider is expected to do. There is about a month between now and the 💫race, so I will keep focused and continue to improve my physical condiꦑtion. 

"This Suzuka 8 Hours is the only race I have a chance to compete in this year, so I want to d༺o whatever it ♐takes to race. 

"I did my best to get selected by the team. I hope🍃 to make solid contributions to the team like last year and win the race."