Iannone Dazzles at Ducati Race of Champions, Eyes Future Beyond MotoGP Return

Andrea Iannone opens up about potential MotoGP comeback following his competition with Pecco Bagnaia

Andrea Iannone excelled alongside MotoGP competitors in the Champions Race

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

On Friday, he secured the top starting spot for his motorcycle, but during the intense 10-lap race on Saturday, he fiercely competed until ultimately being defeated by the victor, Pecco Bagnaia.

Bagnaia surpassed Iannone in the opening round, but for the majority of the race he was occupied with keeping him at bay, until he managed to break away in the final moments.

Outcomes of the 2024 Ducati Champions Race

At World Ducati Week, the marquee event presented Iannone with an opportunity to compete against the world's elite riders once again, demonstrating his continued prowess.

The Lenovo Champions Challenge brought together 15 competitors from the realms of MotoGP, World Superbikes, and British Superbikes to compete using the newly unveiled Ducati Panigale V4.

"He was cited by Motosprint as saying, “I believe it came as a surprise to many that I achieved this outcome."

"I'm pleased to have made it to the podium and with how I felt while riding the bike."

"Pecco executed everything flawlessly: Throughout the race, I trailed behind him, finding it challenging to consider making a move."

"Nevertheless, I'm pleased with my performance. It's been a while, but I'm competing again with the world's top athletes."

"Street bikes offer a more straightforward experience."

"Pecco exemplifies how crucial ideal team synergy is for achieving victory in MotoGP."

This year marked the conclusion of Iannone's four-year suspension from motorcycle racing due to doping violations.

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

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

Throughout different points in the year, there have been talks of his remarkable return to MotoGP, but he now acknowledges that such speculation is probably not going to materialize.

"He mentioned that he hasn't been part of a MotoGP race since 2019, noting significant changes in the motorcycles since then."

"Don't rule out a comeback to MotoGP, but currently, I believe it's not a viable choice."

"I aim to achieve the utmost in World Superbikes."

Iannone is being considered as a potential replacement for Alvaro Bautista at the WSBK Aruba.it Ducati team for the upcoming season, should the current champion decide to retire. Bautista recently secured the 12th position in the Lenovo Race of Champions.

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