Andrea Iannone Reflects on Stellar Race of Champions Performance Amid MotoGP Comeback Speculations

Andrea Iannone clarifies MotoGP comeback following competition with Pecco Bagnaia

Andrea Iannone excelled in the Race of Champions, facing off against MotoGP competitors

Andrea Iannone put on a remarkable display during the Ducati Lenovo Race of Champions.

He secured the top spot on the grid with his bike on Friday but faced a fierce struggle throughout the 10-lap race on Saturday, ultimately finishing behind the victor, Pecco Bagnaia.

Bagnaia passed Iannone during the initial lap and then focused on defending his position for the majority of the race, eventually managing to distance himself in the final laps.

2024 Ducati Race of Champions Outcomes

For Iannone, the highlight of World Ducati Week provided an opportunity to compete against the world's leading riders, demonstrating that he still has what it takes.

The Lenovo Race of Champions brought together 15 competitors from MotoGP, World Superbikes, and British Superbikes to compete on the new Ducati Panigale V4.

According to Motosprint, he mentioned that he didn't believe many people anticipated this outcome from him.

"I'm pleased with my podium finish and the experience I had while riding the bike."

"Pecco handled everything flawlessly: I was trailing him throughout the race, and it was difficult to plan an overtaking move.

"Nevertheless, I am pleased with how I performed. After a lengthy hiatus, I'm once again competing alongside the world's top racers."

"Things are more straightforward with street bikes."

"Pecco demonstrates that achieving victory in MotoGP requires flawless teamwork."

This year, Iannone completed a four-year suspension from motorcycle racing due to doping.

At 34 years old, he became part of Go Eleven Ducati in the World Superbikes series, where he has occasionally demonstrated his skills.

Significantly, Iannone secured a surprising podium finish at Phillip Island.

Throughout this year, there have been various points where he was rumored to make a remarkable return to MotoGP, but he now concedes that such speculation is probably not going to materialize.

“It’s been since 2019 that I last rode in MotoGP, and the motorcycles have evolved significantly since then,” he mentioned.

"While I won’t completely rule out the possibility of returning to MotoGP, I don't believe it's a viable option at this time."

“I aim to achieve the highest success in World Superbikes.”

Andrea Iannone might take over for Alvaro Bautista at the WSBK Aruba.it Ducati team next season, should the current champion decide to retire. Bautista recently finished 12th in the Lenovo Race of Champions.

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