Honda HRC 2025 WorldSBK Team Launch

The Honda HRC 2025 World Superbike team has launched its campaign ahead of the 2025 Superbike World Championship season. With the factory-backed Honda CBR1000RR-R prepped to take on the grid, the team’s ambitions are clear: elevate performance, secure podium finishes, and fight for the championship. Team riders Xavi Vierge and Iker Lecuona are prepared for the season ahead, with new partnerships, technical advancements, and an aggressive pre-season test schedule laying the groundwork for what Honda hopes to be a competitive season.

The Honda HRC 2025 team unveiled its refined CBR1000RR-R, equipped with effective upgrades and a livery featuring Ixon as a new sponsor and Öhlins as a technical partner with continued backing from Motul, Akrapovič, Nissin, Pirelli, and others.

For Xavi Vierge, 2025 marks his fourth season with the Honda HRC 2025 squad. After finding a solid base setup towards the end of last season, Vierge’s goal is to start the year at the same level and push for consistent top-five finishes. His new crew chief brings valuable experience, and with the team’s increased technical support, the expectation is to fine-tune areas such as drive and acceleration—historically weak points for the CBR1000RR-R.

Honda’s increased collaboration between its Japanese headquarters and European operations is also a major motivator for Vierge. Seeing the factory’s relentless push to improve the bike and provide the best tools for success is a confidence booster for both riders. With podiums already under his belt, Vierge believes a race win is within reach, a victory that would validate the team’s hard work over the past seasons.

For Iker Lecuona, 2024 was a year of physical and mental challenges. Injuries derailed his progress, but a strong second half of the season saw him return to form, culminating in a podium finish. Heading into 2025, Lecuona is focused on consistency from the first round, provided he can battle for the top spots right from Phillip Island.

One of Lecuona’s greatest strengths is his ability to quickly adapt to the bike’s limits, allowing him to assess changes and fine-tune his performance rapidly. However, he acknowledges that once he reaches that limit, further improvement can be mentally demanding. By refining his approach, learning from past struggles, and working closely with his crew chief Tom Jojic, Lecuona aims to start the season strong and maintain a steady upward trajectory.

Team Manager José Escámez enters his second season leading Honda HRC 2025, fully aware of the challenges ahead. The goal is simple: return Honda to the top of WorldSBK. The 2024 CBR1000RR-R homologation brought significant changes, and while the team made progress in the latter half of the season, further development is essential to closing the gap with the championship frontrunners.

With winter testing at Jerez and Portimão providing valuable data, the final Phillip Island test on February 17-18 will be critical in fine-tuning the bike before the season kicks off at the same venue on February 21-23. The increased European collaboration with Honda’s test team is expected to accelerate development, with a focus on improving traction, drive, and electronic settings.

The Honda HRC 2025 World Superbike project is a fusion of experience, cutting-edge engineering, and a drive for success. With Vierge and Lecuona leading the charge, the team is poised to make significant strides in the championship battle. The CBR1000RR-R, enhanced with new technical partnerships and factory support, has the potential to be a serious contender. As the season opener in Australia approaches, the team hopes that this will be the year they reclaim their place on the front lines of the WorldSBK grid.

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