After a four-year suspension, Andrea Iannone is set to return to competition in the 2024 World Superbike Championship. The first step in his preparation took place on Tuesday, the opening day of testing in Jerez.
The Team GoEleven rider had the opportunity to get acquainted with the Ducati Panigale V4 R, finishing the day with the 11th best lap time. He did not take to the track in the afternoon due to rainy conditions.
Speaking to the championship’s official website, Iannone said: ‘I’m really happy. I exited the pitlane to ride a race bike and this is a really good feeling for me. Unfortunately for the weather today but, in any case, I felt very comfortable with everybody, in the paddock and especially in the team. Here in the garage, the feeling is really good. I think today is a little bit of everything, a bit confusing! After a long time, I’ve come back and the feeling with the bike is really good. At Jerez, on the first lap, I thought: «Wow, one more time I’m at this track!». The first five laps were just fun’.
For now, plans for the next tests are not yet defined, but Iannone prefers to focus on the present: ‘The most important thing right now is that we are here, and we have the possibility to ride. This is the best feeling ever’.