Andrea Iannone delivered a remarkable performance during the Ducati Lenovo Race of Champions. He took pole position on Friday and fought hard throughout the 10 laps of Saturday's race, but ultimately had to cede victory to Pecco Bagnaia. From this solid experience, “Joe the Maniac” gained a certainty…
bagnaia took advantage of Iannone from the start and spent most of the race defending his position before widening the gap in the final laps. For Iannone, this flagship event of the World Ducati Week marked his return to competition against the best drivers in the world, proving that he is still competitive. The Lenovo Race of Champions reunited 15 MotoGP, World Superbike and British Superbike riders, all riding the new Ducati Panigale V4.
« I don't think many expected this result from me ", said Iannone à Moto sprint. " But I'm happy to be on the podium and to have found the good sensations on the bike. Pecco handled everything perfectly : I was behind him throughout the race and it wasn't easy to think about an attack. However, I am happy with my performance, I'm back competing with the best in the world after a long time. With road motorcycles, everything is simpler. Pecco is proof that perfect team chemistry is necessary to win in MotoGP »
Andrea Iannone: “ MotoGP has changed a lot since 2019, I want to get the most out of World Superbike »
Iannone recently served a four-year racing ban for doping. HAS 34 years ago, he joined Go Eleven Ducati in World Superbike, where he showed some glimpses of his talent. On Phillip Island in particular, Iannone landed an unexpected podium.
Rumors have swirled this year about a possible return to MotoGP, but Iannone now admits that speculation is unlikely. “ I haven't ridden MotoGP since 2019 and the bikes have changed a lot ", did he declare. “ Never say never about a return to MotoGP, but at the moment I don't think that's a realistic option. I want to get the most out of World Superbike »
Iannone is a contender to replace Alvaro Bautista, who finished 12th in the Lenovo Race of Champions, as part of the Ducati WSBK Aruba.it team next season, if the defending champion chooses to retire.
