Former MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone recently revealed some unexpected memories from Ducati’s maiden victory at the 2016 Austrian Grand Prix. Known for his passion for MotoGP, Iannone raced in the premier category from 2013 until 2019, representing Ducati, Suzuki, and Aprilia.
Iannone started with Pramac Ducati in 2013 and moved up to Ducati’s factory team in 2015. However, by mid-2016, Ducati parted ways with him and brought in Jorge Lorenzo to team up with Andrea Dovizioso the next year. Iannone’s sole premier class win came at the 2016 Austrian Grand Prix, ending Ducati’s winless streak since 2010.
In an interview with GP One, Iannone gave a vivid recount of that memorable day, saying, “I remember that time we had sex all night before a race. I went to bed at 5 a.m., woke up, went to the circuit, warmed up and set the fastest time, then won the race.”
After leaving Ducati at the end of 2016, Iannone’s career took a downturn. His first Suzuki season was tough as he backed the wrong engine development, and Suzuki lost their concessions in 2018. Iannone then joined Aprilia in 2019 but failed a doping test during the Malaysian Grand Prix, forcing him to miss the final two races that year. After losing his appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2020, he received a four-year retroactive suspension.
Aprilia supported Iannone during his suspension but struggled to find a top replacement for 2021. Once his ban ended, Iannone competed in World Superbike and even returned briefly to MotoGP as a stand-in for VR46 Ducati at the 2024 Malaysian Grand Prix.
Fan Take: This behind-the-scenes glimpse into Iannone’s career highlights the unpredictable and intense nature of MotoGP. For fans, it’s a reminder how personal choices and challenges can dramatically shape a rider’s journey, making the sport all the more compelling.
