SBK | Iannone: “Four years without racing… at the beginning it was dramatic”

SBK Ducati GoEleven – Andrea Iannone returned to the track this year after a four-year disqualification for doping.

The rider from Vasto raced his first Superbike race in Australia and on Sunday he will be riding the Ducati V4R Panigale with #29 clearly visible on the sides of the fairing in Barcelona.

Speaking to the official Superbike website, he retraced the steps that led him to return to the track, including a trip to Misano with his father and a chat with Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall'Igna who brought the number 29 to riding the Panigale V4 R of Team GoEleven.

Statements Andrea Iannone Doping Disqualification

“Four years without racing… at the beginning it was dramatic. Difficult to understand and adapt as I have lost my whole life. When you lose everything, you're a little disoriented. It's like a bad fall, but in that case maybe you stop for a year. I stopped for four years. It's difficult to explain this situation. I felt a lot of support from my fans, my family and my friends but it wasn't easy. Especially the first year I was a little more closed in on myself but step by step I started to live a somewhat normal life.”

Statements Andrea Iannone Ducati Misano meeting

“I stopped following MotoGP and started following WorldSBK. I don't know why but that's how things happened. Following some races my desire was to be part of those races and those duels and that's why sometimes I started talking to Gigi Dall'Igna. One day I went with my father to Misano to meet him. We talked a bit and he said 'So, Andrea, do you want it, and do you think you're ready?'. I told him yes. I'm back after a long time, I'm really excited about this return. I'm happy, I live this dream. I will not recover what I have lost; it's impossible, but I will try to recover my happiness.”

Andrea Iannone Superbike declarations

“WorldSBK is really good, the climate in this paddock is fantastic. I feel a lot of passion for motorsport, for motorbikes, for me it's a really beautiful energy. At this moment in my career, I think it's the best Championship. Now I'm here and I want to enjoy it. The level is really high as everyone is going strong. I think the top 10-12 are really fast.”

Statements Andrea Iannone First Jerez Superbike test

“In Jerez, when I tested the bike in October, I immediately went fast. We finished the test in fifth place and with a not bad lap time. The feeling was good straight away but overall I need to cover more kilometres. We have to work a lot. We understand everything a little better, especially the bike and the tires. As far as the tires are concerned, everything has changed since they are different to those present in MotoGP™. I think we worked well during the preseason and it is important to have the support from Ducati."

Statements Andrea Iannone First Superbike Podium

“I didn't expect this result. A podium is truly a great result. For me it is a truly special return and I will never forget this moment and this weekend. After a long time I once again experienced another great moment. I fought with the best in WorldSBK, in my first weekend and in my first race. What happens now? I'm there in front. It's incredible. I'm really happy, it's beautiful. I won't forget this first weekend.”