Andrea Iannone is doing respectably well for a substitute in Malaysia. Five years ago, he was competing in his last MotoGP Grand Prix as an official Aprilia rider here, before being banned from the circuits for four years for doping. It was not until early 2024 that he returned to the circuits in Superbike, and he quickly distinguished himself. Called by Valentino Rossi to replace Fabio Di Giannantonio – absent from the last two rounds of 2024 due to shoulder surgery – Andrea Iannone discovers a changed MotoGP, but still with the passion that characterizes him.
The feeling that invaded Andrea Iannone at the end of this second day was quite strange. At the same time, he is happy to be back at the highest level, but also, he is extremely tired. « I have the speed, but the problem is the physical aspect.. I lack the necessary preparation. At turn 4, my arms no longer supported me, my body wanted me to move forward on my own. I only did one lap of the Sprint at my true potential. I could be faster, but you have to be physically prepared." he affirmed in the columns of GP One.
Iannone's 1 thousandth off half way round! 🤯#MalaysianGP 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/kufcgmZYau
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) November 2, 2024
This is where we realise the difference with the WSBK championship, which does not require as much preparation. « In Superbike there is not 1% of the aerodynamic load that we have in MotoGP. Here, everything exhausts you, it generates a lot of load, especially when braking. The acceleration is also very surprising. You have to do everything to the maximum, because as soon as you slow down, you lose a lot.. I didn't expect that." he continued.
Photo: Michelin Motorsport
This experience of one or two weekends will leave him with memories, but also after-effects. The current MotoGP leaves very real physical scars. « I could have been faster, but I thought, "What's the point?" This morning I woke up with all the pains a man can suffer. I must say that I did not choose an easy path. My toes even hurt, I have to walk on my heels, even though I don't even know when I used my toes! » he concluded.
Do you think he can do better tomorrow in the main race? Tell us in the comments!
2024 Malaysian Grand Prix Sprint Result:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
