Team HRC announce 2022 World Superbike launch date

Team HRC will officially unveil their CBR1000RR-R Fireblade on February 15 ahead of the 2022 World Superbike season.

As it stands Team HRC will be the first team to showcase its new livery, while the Japanese manufacturer will also unveil their 2022 rider line-up of Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge during a live presentation.

The virtual launch will be available to watch on the official Honda Racing Corporation Facebook page and YouTube channel.”

Leucona and Vierge have both moved across from grand prix racing - MotoGP and Moto2 respectively - and have already begun testing for their new team. 

Following an initial test in late December at Jerez, a test in which Lecuona saw track time limited due to suffering a fractured finger on his left hand, the two Spaniards then completed one day of testing last week (again at Jerez) as Vierge finished second to Alex Lowes, while Lecuona was P3. 

The factory Honda team will be unveiling their CBR1000RR-R Fireblade without satellite WorldSBK team MIE Honda Racing, who have yet to announce their team/bike launch. 

Team HRC’ presentation will also come a week after Repsol Honda unveil their new RC213V MotoGP machine (February 8th).

Although Lecuona and Vierge haven’t been confirmed for any of the remaining WorldSBK pre-season tests, both riders are expected to take part in at least one of the three March tests, along with the Dorna supported test on April 4-5 at MotorLand Aragon. 

The Aragon outing will be the final chance for teams and riders to prepare for the 2022 season as racing gets underway a week late on April 8-10.