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The "warrior" MotoGP rookie KTM was right to back

The 2020 MotoGP campaign featured a standout pair of rookies, but one flew under the radar as he adjusted to a shock step-up armed with very little racing experience. However as his veteran team boss explains, the faith shown in him was not misplaced

Lewis Duncan Jan 18, 2021, 4:08 PM

You'll be hard-pressed to find a bedroom wall anywhere in the world adorned with posters of 21-year-old Tech3 KTM MotoGP rider Iker Lecuona, and you'd be forgiven if his name perhaps slipped your mind when reflecting on the 2020 season.

In a campaign where nine riders won races and a total of 15 scored podiums, including two very high-profile debutants, Lecuona's humble haul of 27 points and three top 10 finishes appear to have little impact. But to dismiss his achievements last year would be wholly unfair if you consider his situation relative to that of fellow KTM rookie Brad Binder and Honda's Alex Marquez.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.