P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Xavi Vierge will join Honda HRC at Suzuka
Honda has announced that World Superbike rider Xavi Vierge will replace the injured Iker Lecuona in this year’s Suzuka 8 Hours event.
The factory Honda squad aims to build on their victories in 2023 and 2024 with a strong rider lineup for the endurance classic at Suzuka.
Johann Zarco, the current LCR MotoGP rider and last year’s Suzuka winner with Team HRC, will team up with six-time event winner Takumi Takahashi.
Iker Lecuona, the originally planned third rider, had to withdraw due to an injury sustained during World Superbike’s visit to Balaton Park last weekend.
Xavi Vierge, Lecuona’s World Superbikes teammate, has been drafted in as his replacement for the upcoming Suzuka 8 Hours race.
There were reports suggesting Lecuona might replace the injured Somkiat Chantra at LCR after the summer break, but nothing has been confirmed by Honda yet. However, Vierge could potentially be next in line for that role if Lecuona remains sidelined due to his wrist injury.
