WorldSBK: Dani Pedrosa: Andrea Iannone ‘will have a good chance to race at the front’

Dani Pedrosa believes Andrea Iannone could be running at the front of WorldSBK races in 2024.
Andrea Iannone, Ducati Jerez WorldSBK 2023
Andrea Iannone, Ducati Jerez WorldSBK 2023

The ‘Maniac’ is returning to world championship racing fo⭕r the first time in four years following his doping ban.

After signing with the GoEleven Ducati team, Iannone will be aboard the most prolific bike on 🐈the grid.

Alvaro Bautista has won the last two titles aboard the Panigale V4 R, while Michael Ruben Rinaldi has also enjoyed success in the form of race wins a🍎nd podiums.

But sꦉpeaking about Iannone and what he could achieve, Pedrosa told WorldSBK.com: “We’ll see how he goes! Racing with Ducati, he will have a good chance to race at the front and race for victories. 

“However, long-term, I don’t know if can be ready to fight for theꦉ championship because he’s been away for a long time. 

“I think he has the capabilities and the s✅peed to be up front, fightin🍎g for victory.”

Staying on the topic of Ducati, Pedrosa also spoke ౠabout Bautista and how the minimum bike/rider weight could play a role in 2024.

Pedrosa 𒐪added: “We must add to this that there’s the rule change. For Alvaro, he’ll need to ride with a heavier bike than usual. 

“ꩵLet’s see how that plays out on track. I think the engine is strong but at the same time, when you change the rules so drastically with added weight, it’ll play a big part. 

“Let’s see how the Ducati guys handle this, t𓆏o try and make the bike work in the same way as before.”

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