Andrea Iannone has been handed a MotoGP return with VR46 Ducati as a replacement of Fabio di Giannantonio.
Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team have confirmed that Andrea Iannone will replace Fabio Di Giannantonio at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia. The team cite both a positive first season in WorldSBK and Iannone’s excellent relationship with Valentino Rossi, the entire Tavullia Team and the Borgo Panigale factory.
Iannone took a victory in MotoGP in 2016 with Ducati and has 11 podiums in the premier class. Upon returning to competition in 2024 in WordSBK, he ended the season with 231 points, eighth overall and a victory at the Tissot Aragon Round.
As announced, Fabio Di Giannantonio is returning to Rome where, this week, Professor Alessandro Castagna will perform surgery on his left shoulder in preparation for the upcoming season.
Alessio Salucci, Team Director Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team: “I am very happy to confirm that Andrea will race with our colours on the Ducati Desmosedici GP. First of all, Andrea has proven to be in excellent shape; he finished the WorldSBK season on a high note and has always remained close to Ducati. Additionally, he is a great friend of the VR46 family, both personally and also of Vale.
“We are very pleased to welcome him to the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team and to see him back on a MotoGP bike. It’s truly a great story! At the same time, we all wish Fabio the best of luck as he undergoes shoulder surgery this week, and we can’t wait to see him back on track in 2025.”
Andrea Iannone: “Riding the world champion bike is thrilling. MotoGP is the most technological and high-performing motorcycle; I am honoured that they thought of me, and I felt compelled to seize this opportunity as soon as it was offered to me. The challenge is definitely crazy, complex, and important, as I haven’t ridden a bike of this category for years and haven’t done any testing.
“I am excited to work with Ducati and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, both for the very high level and for the friendship that has linked us for years. I would like to thank Valentino Rossi, Alessio Salucci, Pablo Nieto, Gigi Dall’Igna, Claudio Domenicali, and Mauro Grassilli.”
[Note: The story is as per press release]