MotoEtkinlik26 September 2026

Michelin Tires Highlight the Difference on the Ducati Leucaona

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Iker Lecuona made significant assessments about the Panigale V4 R that will be used in the 2027 season. The Spanish rider stated that the switch to Michelin tires has significantly changed the motorcycle's character and riding style.

Aruba.it Racing – Ducati rider Iker Lecuona spoke about the Michelin tests conducted for the 2027 season. He expressed that significant changes in the motorcycle's behavior are occurring due to the switch from Pirelli to Michelin tires in the new era.

"EVERYTHING IS DIFFERENT"

Iker Lecuona said that one of the biggest changes in the 2027 Ducati is the tires.

Pirelli and Michelin do not work together. Therefore, the motorcycle's behavior and the way you ride it are different. You need to ride it very differently with one tire or another. The basic structure is not that different, but there is a slight difference. What changes is essentially how the tire functions.

The Spanish rider emphasized that the 2027 Ducati will have a different riding character compared to the current motorcycle.

LECUONA'S STATEMENT ON BULEGA

One of the most important agendas for the Cremona weekend is Nicolò Bulega's championship fight. Ducati's official rider, Bulega, has a significant advantage in his pursuit of the championship. Lecuona drew attention to the performance his teammate has shown throughout the season.

I will try to beat Bulega.

Lecuona said that if he competes in the same race as Bulega, he will continue to fight for victory. He stated that he has competed against Bulega throughout the season and that his approach will not change in Cremona. However, the Spanish rider also indicated that he will be cautious not to take unnecessary risks.

I will try now, but if I can do it without taking a foolish risk.

"I DID AN IMPOSSIBLE JOB THIS YEAR"

Lecuona felt that the 2026 season was quite successful for him personally. The Spanish rider, who achieved significant results in his first season with Ducati, said he managed to stay close to Bulega for most of the season.

I won my first victory and I was always very close to him. In the last three races, I lost ground because I didn't feel good on the bike.

Lecuona also stressed that the first season with Ducati and the team was an important learning process for him.

This is my first year with this motorcycle and team, and it is not bad at all. Even in the last three races, I learned much more about the motorcycle.

"THE TEAM WAS WAITING FOR OUR POTENTIAL"

Lecuona stated that the results achieved with Ducati during the season were better than expected from a team perspective.

I think the team was not expecting my potential and that I could be in first and second place in the championship.

The Spanish rider also expressed satisfaction with his teammate Bulega's success.

I am very happy for him and for the team.

CONFIDENT IN CREMONA

Lecuona said that the Cremona track itself has positive characteristics. The Spanish rider stated that he felt strong on this track during the last two seasons when riding with Honda.

I love this track. I was very strong here with Honda in the last two years. I always felt very good, especially in the last sector.

Along with this, Lecuona pointed out Bulega's strong performance on different tracks throughout the season.

Nicolò was fast on every track all year. I struggled a bit on fast tracks.

Lecuona believes that he prefers tracks with a slower character and that Cremona could be a positive opportunity for him.

A NEW ERA IN 2027 DUCATI

Lecuona's comments provide important insight into how much the new technical regulations in 2027 will change the character of the motorcycles. Beyond the switch to Michelin tires, the effects of the new technical rules on the Ducati Panigale V4 R are still in the development stage. Lecuona achieved a lap time of 1:29.7-1:29.8 in the Cremona test with the 2027 Ducati configuration; however, it is stated that it is premature to directly compare this time with the current motorcycle. Lecuona's words reveal that the change in tire character will directly affect the riding experience.