Have lunch in Milan with a rediscovered Andrea Iannone, ready to make his debut in the 2024 Superbike with the Ducati Panigale V4-R of Team Go Eleven. «I’m back on the bike with the joy of a child. I was laughing under my helmet when I went out on the track during the tests”, says Iannone, who is returning to the world of racing after a four-year disqualification for doping. The secret of a newfound happiness is also the story with the singer Elodie. «With her I’m as happy as riding the Ducati».
Andrea, what did you feel when you returned to the track?
«It was very nice to be able to ride a racing motorbike again, something special. A long-awaited moment.”
After the disqualification, will he bring more “evil” to the track?
«No, why malice? No, I’m not a bad person, on the contrary. I have great motivation, ambition, yes. No malice.”
What is the ambition now?
«Being able to return to an important level in terms of speed».
Who was close to him in these four years?
«I have always been surrounded by the same people. Family, long-time friends. And I always did what made me feel good.”
Did you choose to return to Ducati?
«I am very happy to return. My best memory remains the MotoGP victory on the Desmosedici. It was an important moment for both me and them. Because it was my first victory and also the first for them after many years.”
By the way, who do you see as favorite between Bagnaia and Martín?
“I don’t follow the championship closely and I don’t take one side or the other, but they are both very fast riders.”
How much do you miss MotoGP? And how long is Iannone missing from MotoGP?
«I don’t have the presumption to say that MotoGP is missing Andrea Iannone. I missed motorbikes a lot. But now I hope I miss them a little less.”
Have you seen the GPs in recent years?
«I’m not someone who watches a lot of television. And I don’t set the alarm to watch the races. I’m a bit atypical in this.”
Honestly, would you ever think of competing in Superbike one day?
«I only started watching it this year. No, when I was in moto3 and moto2, I didn’t know if I would do it. But I’m happy to be part of it today. I will enjoy the next championship, my first in Superbike. I hope it’s full of good moments and I can’t wait to get back on track in January for the tests in Jerez.”
In these 4 years have you thought about not running again?
«I had stopped. But now, after four years, I’m starting again. I have never had the fixed thought of having to return at all costs. It’s something that came naturally. I’m happy to be able to experience it.”
How long will it take to see Andrea Iannone 100% again?
«The tests went well, who expected it? It’s difficult to make predictions but I would like to have fun again. To do great things, it takes great difficulty and great dedication. It’s always a constant questioning. I will do my best”.
