MotoGP: Andrea Iannone “Here in Aragon I will do a comparison between the GP14 and the GP14.2”

Andrea Iannone spoke to the Italian press on the eve of the Aragon Grand Prix, the fourteenth stage of the 2014 world championship, the third home race for the Spanish riders after those races in Jerez and Barcelona. The Team Pramac rider spoke about the test carried out at Mugello with the Ducati (the new GP14.2), the innovations made on this bike and what he expects from this track, where he has always achieved excellent results when racing in Moto2.

Andrea, you tested the new bike at Mugello on Tuesday, what impressions did you have?

“The new bike is very similar to the GP14. At Mugello we didn't have the other one to make a comparison, but my impressions are positive from some points of view and the same from others. You feel better on the bike, basically there are no major upheavals, aesthetically the bikes are the same. Even in terms of performance there are no big differences.”

How did you feel after a day of testing?

“I felt good on the bike, I rode well all day, I was always very fast, so I'm happy. Here I prefer to do a comparison on the same day with the old one and evaluate if there are any advantages."

Which bike will you start the shift with tomorrow?

“We haven't decided yet, but I think we'll start with the Misano one and then move on to the other one. The first round of testing will go like this, then we'll see based on the sensations."

The bike seems smaller, what is your impression?

“The bike is a little narrower, especially between the legs, so I like it more because I'm more comfortable and I move better on the saddle. Then, as I was saying, I was fast during the test without having any problems and so I'm happy."

Are there only new chassis features or also new engine features?

“The changes are only at the chassis level, the engine is the same as the one we raced with at Misano. Only the "head" changes which is narrower. They moved the water connection pipes; they were put on top and thus could tighten the frame. In terms of delivery, speed and delivery, nothing changes. The “heads” change on the outside but internally they are the same.”

Suzuki and Aprilia were also at Mugello, what idea did you have?

“I don't know their times, but they told me that Suzuki didn't do too well. They seemed to be doing better when they first arrived.”

You have always been strong on this track, you also won in Moto2, what do you think this weekend has in store for you?

“This year we were always quite fast compared to 2013, so I think this can also be a positive track for us. Aragon is certainly a beautiful track, it is very particular, there are many ups and downs, it is very technical and fast. In Moto2 I have always finished on the podium, it is a track that I like. After the Misano race I feel very excited, on the new bike I have a "fresh" engine, so we will have the right power. I hope to be fast and close the gap further.”

Is the goal to improve on fifth place or are you aiming for something more?

“We always need to improve, it would be nice to be able to get a podium before the end of the season, to end my adventure with Team Pramac in style. There are still five races, in the last two we came very close to the podium, so we have to keep believing in it."

It seems that Danilo Petrucci (Rider Iodaracing) will take your place, what do you think?

“I didn't know it, but I'm happy for him. He's young and I didn't see many alternatives for Pramac.”