Andrea Iannone Return to MotoGP: ‘Never Say Never’ Says World Superbikes Rider

At the heart of a brilliant weekend of racing at the World Ducati Week, former MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone made a thrilling exhibition during the Ducati Lenovo Race of Champions. Securing pole position in Friday’s qualifying and narrowly missing the top podium spot in Saturday’s race, Iannone’s performance has reignited conversations about his future in world motorcycle racing.

Against a formidable lineup of 15 riders from MotoGP, World Superbikes, and British Superbikes, all competing on the sleek new Ducati Panigale V4, Iannone showcased that his skills remain sharp. The race concluded with Iannone in second place, right behind MotoGP star Pecco Bagnaia, after a closely fought 10-lap chase. 

Iannone was vocal about his achievement and the intense competition from Bagnaia.

“I don’t think many expected this result from me,” he admitted post-race, adding, “But I’m happy both to be on the podium and with the feeling I felt on the bike. Pecco managed everything perfectly: I was behind him for the entire race and it wasn’t easy to think of an attack.”

This event marked a significant milestone in Iannone’s career, highlighting his return to high-level competition following a four-year hiatus due to a doping ban. Now racing for Go Eleven Ducati in the World Superbikes, his recent unexpected podium finish at Phillip Island has demonstrated he still possesses the mettle to challenge top riders.

Speculation about Iannone’s potential to return to MotoGP was addressed by the rider himself. Despite the changes in MotoGP machinery since his last participation in 2019, Iannone expressed a cautious openness to a future in this elite class.

“I haven’t ridden in MotoGP since 2019 and the bikes have changed a lot,” he explained. Continuing, he noted, “Never say never to a return to MotoGP, but at the moment I don’t think it’s a realistic option. I want to get the most in World Superbikes.”

Iannone’s perspective on current racing, particularly in MotoGP, pointed to the complexities of technical management. “With street bikes everything is simpler,” he observed, lauding Bagnaia’s ability to harness team strength. “Pecco is proof that perfect team chemistry is needed to win in MotoGP.”

As the motorsport world watches his progress, the possibility of a slot opening in the prestigious WSBK Aruba.it Ducati team arises, contingent on the retirement moves of reigning champion Alvaro Bautista. Whether this or other opportunities will coax Iannone back to MotoGP or further into the folds of World Superbikes remains a tantalizing question for fans and analysts.

Regardless, Andrea Iannone’s reemergence as a formidable competitor on the world stage underscores a resilient comeback.