Andrea Iannone makes a furious comeback after his four-year doping ban: “The Maniac” takes the lead at the WSBK season opener
On November 17, 2019, Andrea Iannone rode his last MotoGP race to date. This was followed by a four-year ban due to a positive doping test. Today, the now 34-year-old Italian celebrated his World Championship comeback and stormed onto the podium at the Superbike World Championship season opener on Phillip Island (Australia).
Behind winner Nicolo Bulega (Ducati) and Andrea Locatelli (Yamaha), Andrea Iannone finished third on his GoEleven Ducati, making him the best independent rider (race report). Iannone rode with a special helmet design and was reminiscent of WSBK race winner Anthony Gobert, who died a few weeks ago (background information).
In his very first WSBK race, Iannone collected leading kilometers and also looked very strong in the duels. The Italian was correspondingly relieved after the race and thanked his fans and supporters.great emotions after crossing the finish line and at Parc Ferme
“It’s incredible, I really didn’t expect a comeback like this. The good feeling for the bike is important. I am very happy to start at this level right away,” commented Iannone.
After a four-year break, Iannone picked up where he left off. “I have received a lot of support. That’s even more important to me than the level I’m already at. For me, the support of the people is pure energy. I’m so pleased that people are sticking by me after this break,” said Iannone, thanking his fans.
Iannone’s speed on the Ducati Panigale V4R was already evident during winter testing. The change in the race format to two sprints with a pit stop did not necessarily play into the hands of the “Maniac”, as the Italian’s race pace was already very good and consistent during the tests.
Leading laps at the start for Andrea Iannone “like a shock “
“A normal race would have been better for me,” Iannone is convinced. “My start was really good. I took the lead. At that point, I was bubbling with emotion. It was like a shock for me. “
“I wanted to control the situation as best I could. I made two mistakes at the start of the second stint. I also made another mistake on the last three laps. The engine brake didn’t work perfectly,” said an annoyed Iannone, who went slightly off line in turn 4.
But third place is more than anyone expected before the weekend. “We achieved a very good result. That’s okay for the start of the season,” said a satisfied Iannone, who is looking forward to the second day of racing in Australia
“Tomorrow is another day. We will of course try to improve the result. But we’re not stressing about it,” he explains. “We are at a good level. I haven’t raced for a while and that’s why it’s important to be in a good mood now.”
After the podium, Iannone also sent his thanks to Borgo Panigale: “I would also like to thank Ducati, Gigi Dall’Igna, Paolo Ciabatti, Claudio Domenicali and Marco Zambenedetti. But I would also like to thank my GoEleven team for this opportunity. “
