Ducati Corse MotoGP team principal and former WSBK rider Davide Tardozzi will be keeping a close eye on the events at Misano this weekend. Among the subjects that fascinate him, the return to competition of Andrea Iannone particularly attracts his attention. After four years of suspension for doping, “Joe the Maniac” makes a strong comeback in Superbike, sparking speculation about a possible return to MotoGP.
Tardozzi, who knows well Iannone, confided in GP One on this delicate subject: I had a brief conversation with Andrea Iannone, and as we well know, Paolo Campinoti is one of his great friends and admirers ". From the beginning, Tardozzi approaches the question of MotoGP with caution: “ I think this is reasonably difficult for several reasons. Andrea performs very well in SBK, but MotoGP is a further step forward, and I don't know if, after so many years, he can still digest it. Moreover, the way of riding has changed and at the same time, the characteristics of the motorcycles have also changed ».
Davide Tardozzi does not fail to provide sound advice to Iannone : " given his age, Andrea Iannone should try to get good results in SBK. MotoGP is certainly in his head, but I find it difficult to get there. However, it is a natural talent and I want to remember something that Marquez told me a few years ago: Iannone was the only rider Marc feared in Moto2 and Andrea deserved the respect of an eight-time world champion ».
Davide Tardozzi: “ it is clear that Iannone wants to try to return to MotoGP »
The complexity of the situation is not lost on Tardozzi, which nevertheless remains encouraging: « if I were in his place, of course I would try. It is clear that Iannone wants to try to come back because he is a talented and passionate driver. Personally I think it's right that he's trying to come back to MotoGP because if he believes in his qualities, he must try. But at the same time I use reason, aware of the current dynamics of the paddock and the situation. I say it will be difficult but one thing is certain: if a driver does well at things, he must believe in it and try. Therefore, if he thinks he is strong, he must try ».
The possibility that Iannone join Pramac under the banner Yamaha is a possibility that gains credibility every day. If this comes to fruition, it would be an opportunity for Iannone to prove that he still has his place among the best, despite the challenges and changes that have occurred in the world of MotoGP since his suspension.
