Marco Bezzecchi
Iker Lecuona had a standout weekend in MotoGP as he finished seventh as Alex Marquez’s replacement at Balaton Park. Naturally, he was asked if he wanted to return.
Lecuona replaced Alex Marquez at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with the Gresini rider still recovering from his injuries after the crash in Catalunya. Ducati opted not to use Nicolo Bulega at Balaton Park as he is focused on developing their 2027 bike.
Instead, they called upon his World Superbikes teammate, with Lecuona making his first premier class appearance since 2023. Despite having no previous experience on the GP26, the Spaniard finished a hugely impressive P7.
Does Iker Lecuona deserve to be in MotoGP?
Iker Lecuona would be ‘very happy’ to return to MotoGP, but he is committed to World Superbikes
Lecuona was just under 23 seconds behind winner Marc Marquez at the line. He brought home a strong nine points for Gresini, while teammate Fermin Aldeguer was involved in a pile-up at the first corner.
Such a performance will leave many wondering if the Spaniard would like to return for another race in the future. Lecuona will race in WSBK this weekend at Misano, but his schedule is free for the next MotoGP weekend at Brno.
Speaking to DAZN after the Hungarian GP, he admitted that he would be ‘very happy’ to return. However, he also stressed that he is fully focused on his efforts in WSBK.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Alex Marquez from net worth to career stats
“Would I like to repeat? First of all, I hope Álex Márquez comes back soon, since it’s his spot in the end. Obviously, I’m very happy to return and very happy with what I’ve done. Why not come back?
“But I’m also saying this: my place is now in WorldSBK, I’m very focused, we’re second in the championship. It’s been a weekend without crashes, without mistakes, and without anything to regret.
“I’m leaving very happy with the work, and now to focus on the Superbikes, which is where I need to concentrate right now.”
Here’s our rider ratings for the Hungarian Grand Prix! Which ones would you change?
What is the latest on Alex Marquez’s condition?
Of course, Lecuona’s chances of returning to MotoGP will depend on whether Alex Marquez is fit enough to race in Czechia.
Marc Marquez provided an update on Alex at Balaton Park, saying that he is going along with his recovery. Gresini are yet to confirm if he will be fit enough for the next race.
Davide Tardozzi said that the injury to his spine remains a complicated issue. Ducati will not want to rush Marquez back if he is not 100% fit, which opens the possibility for Lecuona to make another appearance.
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