After flying the Team HRC flag on his own, Xavi Vierge picked up solid points but believes he could have claimed a podium.

The Hungarian World Superbike Round showed potential for Xavi Vierge and Team HRC, but unfortunate events left for a 'complicated weekend'.

Team HRC were a rider down after Iker Lecuona was taken out in the opening race of the weekend at the Balaton Park Circuit.

This left Xavi Vierge on his own, and he managed to claim an eighth, fifth and seventh finish across the three races. However, he believes he could have fought for a podium in the Superpole Race if it were not for unfortunate contact with Yari Montella.

"Considering how the weekend started on Friday, we were able to make some improvements, and overall, I think it turned into a solid weekend," Vierge said after the Hungarian World Superbike Round.

"Today, especially, as the Superpole Race was a positive one. We knew we had a good opportunity because, with those track conditions, we were better able to make up for our weak points. We made a good tyre choice and started the race well.

"It was a pity about the contact with Montella; he hit me really hard at turn 11 shortly after the start of the race. The impact was strong enough to trigger my airbag, and for almost half a lap, I could barely breathe. Of course, I lost ground and contact with the front group fighting for the podium. Still, finishing in the top five was a good result and allowed me to start from the second row in Race 2, which was helpful.

"In the long race, I made another good start, but unfortunately, as the laps went by, I kept struggling with edge grip and drive. It’s difficult for me to manage that because as soon as I try to go with the group in front, the tyres spin more and overheat. We’ve also struggled in the braking zones here, which made things even more complicated.

"I had to accept the pace I had and just manage it to the end. P7 is not the result we want, especially with such a big gap to the front. But this is our situation, we understand our problems, and we’re giving our best with what we have. Now we’ll focus on the test in Aragon in about three weeks’ time."