Andrea Iannone is on track today at Misano with a Panigale V4 loaned by Michele Pirro. The test sessions are organized by the MotoGP tester.
By Mariana Giannoni de Motoracing
Can we envisage thatAndrea Iannone come back to a Ducati ? It's happening this morning, on the Misano track. The former MotoGP rider rides a Panigale V4, therefore a road bike, but around him are the well-known faces of various mechanics Ducati Factory, facing the queen class. The tests, reserved for amateur and professional pilots, were organized by Michele Pirro, who is the official tester of the Italian brand. Iannone was personally invited by the organizer, who also lent his personal Panigale, as can be seen on the decal "Garage 51", the Apulian driver's shop which is located right next to the route.
Is this just a courtesy invitation or is there something behind it, that is to say the embryo of a collaborative relationship between Andrea and la Rossa? We recall that Iannone is currently still disqualified for the doping case, but in 2024 he will be able to recover his license, and therefore race at all levels. He will have 34 years next year, so it won't be too late. The Aprilia RSV4 that Iannone often used to keep fit is not in the Misano garage. During his last outing in Vallelunga, a few weeks ago, he also suffered a fall. Also on this occasion Andrea is accompanied by his partner, the singer Elodie.
In 2024, Andrea Iannone can return to racing
« I'm happy, I just do a few laps, it's a very simple workout » told us Andrea Iannone. But it's not like there's anything serious going on and next year will we see you driving a Ducati ? " It's just a fun day with friends, that's all ». Michele Pirro Explain : " he didn't ride much at Vallelunga, he wanted to do two laps. I called him to tell him to come and keep us company, we have a motorbike at Garage 51. He doesn't need to know how to do it, he remembers it very well! ».
Iannone et Ducati know each other well. It was precisely with the Ducati that Andrea made his MotoGP debut in 2013, wearing the badges of the Pramac satellite team. In 2015-16, he was part of the official team, paired with Andrea Dovizioso. Then he spent two years at Suzuki and finally in 2019 at Aprilia, before being arrested two GPs from the end of the championship due to a controversial doping affair which cost him a four-year disqualification.
Now the nightmare is about to end. Looking ahead to 2024, Ducati would have many opportunities to offer: MotoGP tester, but Michele Pirro is already there, doing exceptional work. But above all, a place in Superbike, especially if the contractÁlvaro Bautista expires at 39 years old and says he's had enough of racing. For now, they're just fantastic bikes, but racing thrives on dreams. And it’s beautiful!
