Andrea Iannone will make the switch from Ducati to Suzuki for the 2017 MotoGP season, replacing Maverick Vinales. The Italian had been left without a ride for next season after Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso were confirmed as Ducati’s factory riders but he will now fill the vacancy left by Vinales.
Iannone’s place at Ducati had been in serious threat since the final lap collision which saw him take himself and Dovizioso out of podium positions in Argentina with rumours suggesting that the Bologna squad withdrew their offer of a new contract.
Despite his early season mistakes, Suzuki are confident they have signed the ideal replacement for Vinales and Team Manager Davide Brivio believes he will excel if given the right equipment.
“We are happy to have enrolled Andrea in our Team for the next two years. He is one of the top riders in MotoGP™ and he is also very passionate and motivated; which fits into our racing philosophy. Our technical project is continuously improving since our debut in 2015 and we are working hard to make our GSX-RR very competitive so that it can fight consistently close to top and victory as soon as possible. We wanted a rider that could help Suzuki continue its road to the top. Andrea is a fast rider who has the hunger for success and his riding style could suit our machine’s characteristics, therefore giving us good hopes for a positive partnership. Being in his fourth year in MotoGP™ he’s also an experienced rider from which the whole Team will benefit.”
