Andrea Iannone (Ducati): Bald MotoGP-Test? / MotoGP

Scary kid Andrea Iannone has been making big headlines again for a few weeks now. The Italian, who was forced to serve a four-year ban for allegedly using anabolic steroids and returned with GoEleven Ducati, has already secured two podium finishes. The 34-year-old is fifth in the World Cup standings after the first two stations and is a personal best.

One thing is clear though: the former Suzuki, Ducati and Aprilia factory rider has his sights set on MotoGP even after the ban. And according to his own statements, he is now even thinking about the Ducati MotoGP test. “I know that I can still dedicate myself and compete at a high level. “I don’t rule out future Desmosedici tests,” Iannone told La Gazzetta dello Sport. Thanks to his good relationship with Ducati chief organizer Gigi Dall’ Igna, this could indeed become a reality.

The truth is: a rider of Iannone’s stature won’t have to deal with second-rate material for long in the World Superbike Championship. He has neither the time nor the inclination to do it. At this point, it will be important for him to see if world champion Alvaro Bautista retires at the end of 2024, then the path to the World Superbike Championship factory team with Nicolò Bulega will be clear.

Dutchman Michael van der Mark’s position may also be open at BMW by the end of the year. 13-time Grand Prix winner Iannone will also be an exciting candidate for this. One thing is for sure: the stylish Italian is easy to sell and will be an attraction for the Munich team along with top athlete Toprak Razgatlioglu. Iannone also brings a lot of knowledge with him, if there really will be a “go” to MotoGP in Munich soon.