WorldSBK: Vierge: Race pace much better, I was able to get my confidence back

Following a two day WorldSBK test at Portimao last week, Xavi Vierge was back in action alongside team-mate Iker Lecuဣona for the pair’s third outing at Jerez si🐟nce December.
Vierge, who had already completed five of his ten allocated test days for the season, chose to run back-toဣ-back half days during Team HRC’ private test, meaning he leaves the Jerez circuit with four testing days remaining.
The 2022 WorldSBK rookie has largely focused his pre-season testing program around adapting to Supe൲rbike machinery, understanding the 𒁏Honda’s electronics and trying different set-ups in order to find the best option for April’s season opener at Aragon.
And while race simu♈lations were a big part of his most recent Jerez test, further progress with the electr🃏onics were made to the point where 'I was able to get my confidence back' following a difficult start to both days.
"I’m happy𓆏 because we made good progress throug♔hout this test and with respect to last week’s session," said the former Moto2 rider.
"To be honest, having decided to test over just two afternoons, I started both days in the warmest conditions and I struggled at first. We worked on some new sꦰettings, and it took a little time to adapt to the different feeling.
"But we worked very well with the el🅰ectronics, adjusting and fine tuning the set-up until we fouಌnd the way and I was able to get my confidence back.
"We completed a couple of good long runs, with a pace that was much better compared to the last time we were here. I also made a few practice 💎starts, and we’ve taken a step forward there too.
"The work has been intense, but I was able to make a lot of laps without any problems or delays, which has allowed us to collect a lot of data𒐪. Now we must analyse everything in preparation for the next test."
Given t🤪he fact Vierge and Lecuona have completed by far the most number of test days of any riders/team thus far, March could therefore be a slightly quieter&꧙nbsp;month for the factory Team HRC outfit despite three testing opportunities being available. The official Dorna organised test on April 4-5 won't count towards teams/riders' test days.