There is little time left for Andrea Iannone to decide his next step, with retirement still a possibility. Ducati hopes to finalize how many motorcycles they will run in the 2026 World Superbike Championship by the end of July, according to a report from gpone.
Currently, Iannone is the only rider for the Go Eleven team, whose contract expires at the end of this season. After a disappointing year, Iannone has suggested he might quit racing unless he finds a competitive opportunity.
"In life, everything needs to make sense, so I’m seriously thinking about it," he told MotoSprint. "I may seem crazy, but I’m avoiding pointless activities. Sometimes, I figure things out later, and often time has proven me right."
He added, "I’ve made statements before that turned out to be true. I don’t want just a reason; I want to get on the track, improve my speed, and compete in races where I know I have a chance."
“When I ride a road bike, I see my times and efforts. Technically, we’re very close, and I feel fit enough to continue, but I still need to figure out a few things.”
Andrea Iannone currently sits 10th in the WorldSBK standings after a challenging 2025. “Racing like this doesn’t excite me, and it’s not something I need,” he said. “Sometimes, reflection is necessary to understand what I can truly accomplish. The bike is good this year, but I’m unable to fully exploit its potential.”
“You need to have the right guarantees to tackle the SBK season, or I might reconsider. You can have fun and do other things — or simply stay home.”
This weekend, Iannone and the Eleven Ducati team will compete at Balaton Park. His future and Ducati’s plans for the next season need to be decided swiftly.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for racing enthusiasts as it might signal the potential exit of a seasoned rider whose presence adds excitement to the grid. Iannone’s decisions could influence team strategies and the overall competitiveness of the World Superbike Championship in 2026.
