Even if he would have preferred to stay with the Reds, Andrea can be proud of his career on Desmosedici, in particular his superb victory in the Austrian Grand Prix on August 14.
After 4 world successes in 125, then 8 in Moto2, Iannone achieved two pole positions with Ducati at Mugello last year and in Austria this year, as well as three fastest laps in the race at Austin in 2015, at Mugello and again in Austria in 2016. After two years at Pramac in 2013 and 2014, Andrea joined the official team last year. He had a good season with 3 podiums and a pole, which earned him fifth place in the final. This year has been more difficult, with only three of the first seven races completed. He then seemed to be back on track thanks to his Austrian performance, but he injured his vertebrae during the first free practice session at Misano, which forced him to withdraw from the following races in Aragon, Japan, and 'Australia. He made a good return to Sepang, but fell in the race after leading until halfway.
Valencia is a field of knowledge for the native of Vasto, with a first row in Moto2 in 2010, as well as in MotoGP in 2014. In racing, his best result was the second place in Moto2 in 2010, but in MotoGP he has only finished once, in 22e position in 2014. He was the author of the best race time in Moto2 in 2011, on his Suter from the Speed Master team.
before joining Suzuki starting next Tuesday for testing, Iannone will certainly be keen to end his four-year association with Ducati on a positive note. The Italian manufacturer's track record in Valencia includes two victories, in 2006 with Troy bayliss and in 2008 with Casey Stoner. This same Stoner finished second there in 2007 and 2010. Since then, the best result has been the fourth and fifth place ofAndrea Dovizioso et Cal Crutchlow in 2014.
According to Andrea, “For me, Valencia will be a difficult circuit from a physical point of view: I will try to do my best, but it will not be easy. It will also be my last race with Ducati and I will therefore give 100%. I have had four fantastic years with Ducati, especially the last two as a factory rider, and we have done an incredible job together, especially since the arrival of Gigi, with whom I have always had a very good understanding. . When you manage to work so well with a group of people, it is always difficult to part ways, but life goes on and from Monday I will have a new challenge in front of me.”
