Honda’s Iker Lecuona has had a busy month since Misano but is fired up for WorldSBK’s return to Donington Park this weekend.

Testing at the British track, one the Spaniard had previously never experienced, added to further preparation at Misano and Suzuka - ahead of the Endurance race at the start of August - has kept Lecuona firmly up to speed despite the relaxed race schedule.

Eager to try his hand at the 4km circuit, the 22-year-old has been utilising the British knowledge on offer to learn the lines around the demanding layout but is looking forward to lights out for round five’s three races.

“These four weeks between Misano and Donington have been quite busy for us,” Lecuona explained ahead of the Prosecco DOC round. “We went to the UK for a one-day test, then we had another two-day session at Misano and finally a trip to Japan for a test for the Suzuka 8 Hours, before heading back to Donington for the race weekend.

“I had never been to Donington before so having the chance to learn it ahead of time was very positive and means that this week, we’ll immediately be able to focus on bike set-up. I used some of the British riders as a reference early on, and they helped me to quickly learn the best lines through some of those blind corners in the first sectors.

“I really like the track, although it’s a demanding one from a physical standpoint. I felt it especially in my right arm, which has been operated on in the past following arm pump problems. That’s one more thing I’ll need to consider this weekend.

“I’m happy to race at this track anyway, in fact I would definitely put it among the three best tracks I’ve ever ridden.”