Honda WorldSBK team boss Leon Camier is targeting race wins for his two new rookie riders in 2022 but is under no illusion about the task Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge face.

Moving from MotoGP and Moto2 respectively, the pair need to adapt fast to new bikes, tyres and tracks, while continuing - or possibly re-starting - the development proess.

“The change for 2022 with two young riders is predominately about having some fresh blood. It's easier for younger riders to adapt to a new package, having no experience in this class before," said Camier.

"We think that we have good technicians and a good base around us that we can provide a bike and package that is competitive. The main reason is we believe in their potential and that they can adapt to our bike easier than having an older rider try to change it into something else.

"I would like to see them start in a calm way, build up and then start to achieve podiums step by step. We would like to see them win races, that will be the plan, but also, we understand this is many new circuits, many new situations for them, so it will take time for them to learn, it will take time for them to understand.

"Of course, we understand that it's a big task for them to be competitive straight away. So, I would like to see a good progression throughout the year.”

The new-for-2020 Blade didn't cover itself in glory over two seasons but the bike was in a constant state of flux when it came to parts and testing. Camier is well aware of the task at hand.

“Lap time is missing of course, but we know the areas where we need to work, we still have to improve some areas with the bike for sure. A little bit in every area basically with electronics, engine, chassis.

We know the areas where we can improve, so hopefully this winter, we can make some adjustments, we can bring some new parts to the bike and hopefully we can have a good test and understand that we can be hopefully nearer the podium and nearer winning races next year.

"The winter will be very challenging to new, young riders with no experience in this Championship on these bikes, tyres, experience with anything. This is something that hopefully I can try to help them with. We will have a very strong structure for the start of the year for testing and we will try to plan everything as best we can to give them the best opportunity to start."