LECUONA PUTS FULL-TIME MOTOGP PLANS ASIDE TO TARGET WORLD SUPERBIKE TITLE
7 Nov 2026·
Iker Lecuona says a full-time MotoGP return is not on his mind, despite another chance to race in the premier class with Gresini at the Qatar Grand Prix. The Spaniard is standing in for Alex Marquez, who is sidelined after collarbone surgery. It is Lecuona’s fifth MotoGP appearance this year, following outings at Balaton Park, Silverstone, Phillip Island and Malaysia. His return began at the Hungarian round, after he had previously served as a Honda replacement rider in 2023.
The 2026 World Superbike runner-up has been linked with a possible move to MotoGP, following the paths of Toprak Razgatlioglu and Nicolo Bulega. But, with the 2027 grid already settled, Lecuona says his attention is on his current championship and the prospect of fighting for the WorldSBK title next season.
“Honestly, right now I’m not thinking about racing in MotoGP full-time,” he said in Qatar. “I’m happy in Superbike. I’m really happy to be in Aruba. I think our goal for next year is realistic, and that’s to fight for the title.”
He added that lessons from his recent MotoGP appearances could benefit him in WorldSBK, particularly after the Malaysian weekend. Lecuona said he had identified areas where he needed to improve compared with Bulega, and sees the extra races as useful preparation after the WorldSBK season ended just over two weeks ago.
“I’m treating it as a pre-season, and competing in MotoGP isn’t a bad way to do it,” he said. “I’ll enjoy myself, I’ll keep learning, and we’ll see what we can do, but I remain focused on Superbike. I’m here to have fun and try to get a good result for the team.”
A possible MotoGP opportunity in 2028 has also been raised, but Lecuona said he had heard nothing from his agent. He has a two-year contract with Aruba and had only seen reports suggesting he might be released if a factory or Ducati team offered him a ride. “This is the first I’ve heard of it,” he said.
For now, he stressed, WorldSBK remains his priority: “I’m focused on Superbike, and I’m happy.”