MotoGP Silverstone: Iker Lecuona to replace Alex Rins at LCR Honda

Iker Lecuona will replace Alex Rins at LCR Honda next weekend for the British MotoGP at Silverstone.

Rins is still recovering after breaking his right leg in a crash during the sprint race at Mugello last month, an injury which has required two operations. The 2023 American Grand Prix race winner fractured his tibia and fibula as a result of his crash.

Lecuona currently races for Honda’s official World Superbike team but has already made two MotoGP appearances this season. The Spaniard, who rode full-time in MotoGP for Tech3 KTM in 2020 and 2021, replaced Marc Marquez at Repsol Honda at the Spanish Grand Prix, finishing 16^th in the GP race.

Meanwhile, Lecuona replaced Marquez’s teammate, Joan Mir at the Dutch Grand Prix at Assen but crashed out of the race. Both Mir and Marquez are expected to return from injury at Silverstone on August 4-6.

“I wish Alex a speedy recovery,” Lecuona said. “In the meantime, I’m happy to jump on the bike, as I want to do my best and help the team.

“I like Silverstone’s layout, and we can have fun. I want to thank the Honda family and LCR for the opportunity.”

Lecuona is currently 13^th overall in WorldSBK after taking a best result of fourth so far in 2023, secured in the Superpole race in Barcelona. Lecuona has finished inside the top 10 on eight occasions.

His involvement in the BritishGP at Silverstone means that he can no longer take part in the Suzuka 8-Hour for Team HRC, as the two events are taking place on the same weekend. Lecuona has been replaced by Tetsuta Nagashima.